The J Announces 2025–26 Acclaimed Author Series Lineup

Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of the Jewish Federation and The J, has announced the lineup for its 2025–26 Acclaimed Author Series. This year’s series features nationally recognized authors and speakers who will explore themes of resilience, faith, creativity and history.

“This season’s lineup brings together powerful voices with unique stories that inspire, challenge, and connect us,” said Molly Hess, director of Jewish Experiences. “From Liz Hirsh Naftali’s story of advocacy and hope to the humor and heart of our celebrated novelists, there’s truly something for everyone.”

Liz Hirsh Naftali

“Saving Abigail: The True Story of the Abduction and Rescue of a Three-Year-Old Hostage”
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, 1–2:30 p.m. at The Jewish Community Campus
Moderated by Sarah Markowitz Schreiber

Liz Hirsh Naftali, the great-aunt of three-year-old Abigail Mor Edan who was held hostage in Gaza for 51 days, will share her story of courage and advocacy in the aftermath of tragedy. Abigail was kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023, after her parents were killed in their home in Kfar Aza. Following her release on Nov. 26, Naftali has continued to campaign for the safe return of remaining hostages.

A businesswoman and creator of “The Capitol Coffee Connection” podcast, Naftali provides a platform for leaders to share meaningful, nonpolitical conversations rooted in shared humanity. She has lived between Israel and the United States since 1992 and is the mother of five.

Naftali will be the keynote speaker for this year’s Day of Discovery event, a change in format from previous years.

“We are thrilled to reintroduce Day of Discovery in this new format,” Hess said previously. “Liz Hirsh Naftali will deliver an inspiring message, and we are grateful for the opportunity to come together as a community to learn in meaningful ways.”

Registration: $15 for a half day (morning sessions only) or $35 for a full day, which includes lunch and a copy of “Saving Abigail.” Walk-in registration is $20 for a half day or $45 for a full day. Pre-registration closes Friday, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m., with walk-in registration available online after Oct. 24. Register online at https://www.thejkc.org/dayofdiscovery

Bring Your Own Bestie Girls Night Out with Jean Meltzer and Sara Goodman Confino

“The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah” - Jean Meltzer
“Good Grief” - Sara Goodman Confino
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, 6 p.m. at the Johnson County Museum, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park

International bestselling author Jean Meltzer, known as the “Queen of Jewish Romance,” will present her fifth novel, “The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah.”. Meltzer studied dramatic writing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and earned a Daytime Emmy for her television work before transitioning to fiction.

Joining her is friend and fellow author Sara Goodman Confino, the bestselling author of “Good Grief” and four previous novels. A former high school English and journalism teacher, Confino now writes full time from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband, two sons, and two miniature schnauzers.

The event invites attendees to “Bring Your Own Bestie” for a night of mocktails, cocktails, prizes, and nosh, plus a playful dress code encouraging guests to wear that special outfit they rarely get to debut, from sequin pants to velvet jumpsuits.

Registration: $20 (includes choice of one book) or $36 for both books.
Individual book cost: The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah – $19 | Good Grief – $17.

Elizabeth R. Hyman

“The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto, The True Story of Five Courageous Young Women Who Sparked an Uprising”
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, 7 p.m. at The Jewish Community Campus
Moderated by Dr. Shelly Cline, Director of Education and Historian at the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education (MCHE)

Historian and blogger Elizabeth R. Hyman, a descendant of Polish Jewish refugees, will discuss her work exploring Jewish identity and resilience. She holds dual master’s degrees in history and library and information science from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Book cost: $20 (pre-buy option available during registration).

Michael Hirsh

“Animation Nation: How We Built a Cartoon Empire”
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. in The Jewish Community Center
 Moderated by Jonah Greene, director of Arts & Culture at The J

Michael Hirsh, the Belgian-born son of Holocaust survivors, will close the series with reflections from his groundbreaking career in children’s entertainment. As a producer and media executive, Hirsh led Nelvana, Cookie Jar Entertainment, and WOW! Unlimited Media, shaping generations of storytelling. His memoir, “Animation Nation: How We Built a Cartoon Empire,” explores his journey building one of the most influential forces in children’s media.

“Here I come Kansas City!” Hirsh said. “I am excited to share stories from my book ‘Animation Nation,’ which is about producing shows such as ‘Arthur,’ ‘Babar,’ 'Care Bears,’ 'Ewoks,' ‘Droids,’ ‘Johnny Test,' 'Max and Ruby,' 'Braceface,’ 'Castlevania,’ and ‘Bee and ‘PuppyCat,’ I’ll also be reflecting on my childhood growing up with parents who were Holocaust survivors.”

Book cost: $32.95 (pre-buy option available during registration).

For more information, visit thejkc.org/AcclaimedAuthorSeries or contact Molly Hess, Director of Jewish Experiences, at [email protected] or by phone at 913-327-8035.