The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival will open this year with three keynote speakers: 

• Anita Diamant, author of “The Red Tent,” takes the stage at 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 to celebrate her newest novel, “The Boston Girl.”

• Ben S. Bernanke, former chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, makes his only St. Louis appearance on Thursday, Oct. 22 to discuss his forthcoming memoir, “The Courage to Act.”

• Dennis Ross, known for his work in Middle East peace negotiations, will speak at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. His new book is “Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israeli Relationship from Truman to Obama.” 

“We are honored that Mr. Bernanke included the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival as part of his very limited book tour,” said Scott Berzon, festival director. “The complete author lineup came together in a remarkable way so that we know we’ll please our dedicated attendees and attract new audiences, too.” 

Additional highlights of the 37th annual festival, which runs Nov. 1 to 15, include authors David Gregory (formerly of “Meet the Press”); the Kellerman Family (Jonathan, Faye and Jesse); Leigh Steinberg, on whose story the feature film “Jerry Maguire” was based; Naomi Ragen and Judith Viorst. 

The popular Women’s Special Event, Sports Night, Missouri’s Own and collaborations with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and St. Louis Ballet will all return, as well as a “politically” themed evening with Brian Abrams, author of, “Party Like a President: Tales of Inebriation, Lechery, and Mischief from the Oval Office.”

All three “Keynote Conversations” and more than 30 additional authors (including all theme nights) can be enjoyed with a Premier Pass for $85. Tickets are available at stlouisjewishbookfestival.org, at the JCCs box office, or by calling 314-442-3299. 

A complete author lineup and schedule are available at stljewishbookfestival.org.