Noted author Jonathan Safran Foer to speak | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Noted author Jonathan Safran Foer to speak

 

MILWAUKEE – Jonathan Safran Foer, the noted author of “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” will headline Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s 2019 Annual Campaign Kick-Off Celebration.

Jody Hirsh, director of Judaic education at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center in Whitefish Bay, will moderate a discussion with Foer. Hirsh will do so on Thursday, Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m., at The Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. Visit MilwaukeeJewish.org/Kickoff by Sept. 21 to RSVP.

“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” won many awards and was adapted into a film starring Tom Hanks. But before that novel, Foer’s first novel, “Everything Is Illuminated,” was published when he was in his mid-20s. It was translated into 35 languages, named Book of the Year by The Los Angeles Times and won the National Jewish Book Award.

The purpose of Foer’s visit is to launch the Annual Campaign.

“I am excited to continue the success of last year’s Campaign and to reach even more new donors during the 2019 campaign,” said Lauri Roth, the 2019 Annual Campaign chair. “I know our generous community and the hard work of our volunteers and staff will continue to make amazing things happen this year!”

The $6.35 million raised for 2018 beat the $6.17 million raised for the Annual Campaign in 2017. The Annual Campaign has been rising in recent years and compared with just four years prior, the 2018 amount represented an increase of more than $600,000.

“The Annual Campaign funds our local agencies and our commitment to a local, vibrant Jewish life. It is the backbone that supports the totality of our strong, Jewish community,” said Cheryl Moser, the 2019 Women’s Campaign chair.

“It will be wonderful to see people at the Annual Campaign Kick-Off,” said Moshe Katz, chair of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation board. “Everyone who joins us will be helping us launch our incredibly important Annual Campaign.”

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How to go

What: Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s 2019 Annual Campaign Kick-Off Celebration.

Where: The Pfister Hotel’s Imperial Ballroom, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee.

When: Thursday, Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $18 includes dessert reception, with dietary laws observed.

RSVP by Sept. 21 at MilwaukeeJewish.org/Kickoff