12 March 2020: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO CONCERNS ABOUT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19.

This is the third edition of the bi-annual Jewish Literary Festival, a one-day event for lovers of literature and Jewish life. It takes place at Cape Town’s Gardens Community Centre, home to the iconic Jacob Gitlin Library, SA Jewish Museum and Cape Town Holocaust Centre. Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, 15 March 2020, readers can engage with more than 70 wordsmiths, poets, journalists, filmmakers and educators over more than 40 sessions. The presenters all have some Jewish connection, are engaged with subjects of Jewish interest or have a way with words and, with multiple sessions running simultaneously throughout the day, the organisers offer genres that cover fiction, sport, food, memoir, politics, journalism, the arts and more – a wide choice to suit all tastes. It is a literary feast of note. Don’t miss it! Tickets sell out quickly, so do not hesitate to book yours here: Quicket.

I wrote about the first JLF for LitNet. During the second JLF, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my favourite authors, Lyndall Gordon. Both times, I loved the atmosphere of the event so much that I am delighted I can be part of the third edition of the festival.

I am chairing two sessions:

10:00AM, ISRAEL ABRAHAMS 2

Writing Jewish characters — when you’re not Jewish: Where angels fear to tread…
Helen Moffett, Qarnita Loxton and Dawn Garisch talk to Karina Szczurek.

12:10PM, OLD SHUL

“Feverish: A memoir”: Author Gigi Fenster had an unusual proposal for a PhD — she would induce a fever in herself in an effort to experience fevered dreams. The result inspired her second book, Feverish, which she discusses with fellow author Karina Szczurek.

This memoir is a fascinating discovery and I am infinitely grateful to the JLF organisers for asking me to interview Gigi Fenster at the festival. I can’t wait to meet her in person and to talk to her about memoir writing, creativity, migration and all other feverish endeavours that drive and inspire us.

For the rest, I will be attending other events throughout the day. One is spoiled for choice at the JLF. The programme is a basket of literary treats. Get your ticket and enjoy! See you there…