Speaker Series Returns in December with Mary Doria Russell

We are pleased to announce that our very successful Speaker Series took place again this year with another interesting and exciting individual. The program was held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the Temple. Over 125 people heard an entertaining and informative speech by Mary Doria Russell.

She is a local resident and New York Times Bestselling Author, discussed "Jewish Survival in Nazi-Occupied Italy," the basis of her book, "A Thread of Grace" which was nominated for a Pulitzer prize. The historical fiction tells the story of a group of Jewish refugees in Italy trying to escape Nazi persecution during World War II.

Ms. Russell, a convert to Judaism, is the author of several well-received novels, Her latest, "DOC," the story of Doc Holliday, was published earlier this year – once again to outstanding reviews.

Temple Israel Ner Tamid donated a portion of the evening’s proceeds to the American Joint Distribution Committee which, for almost a century, has been “rescuing Jewish lives at risk,” including many Italian Jews after WW II. Additional proceed will be used to further the Temple’s well-known social action and religious education programs.

Supporting sponsorships received a limited number of reserved seats for the presentation, an opportunity to participate in a "Meet and Greet" reception with Ms. Russell and a copy of her book.

Video of Mary Doria Russell

A short excerpt of the 2011 speaker, Mary Doria Russell.