A New Platform for Jewish Conversation and Community, where ideas are exchanged, diverse voices are heard, and community is built, one conversation at a time.
Wed, Sept 10, 2025 @ 7pm | JCC Columbus
Jonah Platt is a leading voice on Jewish identity, culture, and current events. He hosts the hit podcast Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, featuring wide-ranging conversations on the modern Jewish experience. An entertainment multi-hyphenate, Jonah has performed on Broadway and in Hollywood, written for TV comedies, and is producing and starring in his first feature film, The Mensch. His writing on Jewish life has appeared in Variety, The New York Post, Times of Israel, and more.
$25 | Limited seating
Pre-event VIP reception for sponsors of $1000+
Thurs, Oct 16, 2025 @ 7PM | JCC Columbus
Sarah Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. She was also the chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton on her 2008 presidential campaign. Hurwitz is the author of Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There), which was a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. She has been featured throughout the media, from profiles in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, and The Guardian to appearances on the Today show, Morning Joe, and NPR. The Forward twice named her one of 50 Jews who has impacted American life. AS A JEW: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us (HarperOne) was named the “Natan Notable Book” for Summer 2025 by Natan and the Jewish Book Council. Hurwitz is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and was a 2017 Fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard. SarahHurwitz.net
$36 Event & Book Bundle
$20 Event
Pre-event VIP reception for sponsors of $1000+
Tue, Nov 11, 2025 @ 7PM | JCC Columbus
Lihi Lapid is an author and journalist whose books deal with contemporary women’s issues. She has written two bestselling novels in Israel, Secrets from Within and Woman of Valor, and a third novel On Her Own; a cookbook entitled Lihi Lapid’s Favorite Recipes, and a bestselling children’s book, The Magic Whisper. Prior to becoming a writer, Ms. Lapid was a professional photographer. Educated at the prestigious Camera Obscura School of Art and Tel Aviv University, she served in the Israel Defense Forces as a photographer for its Bamachane magazine. She lives with her husband, former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, in Tel Aviv.
$10 | Limited seating
Pre-event VIP reception for sponsors of $1000+
Sarah Hurwitz, Author & Former White House Speechwriter
Thurs, Oct 16, 2025
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Yonah Jeremy Bob, Author & Israeli-based Journalist
Wed, Mar 25, 2026
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Danielle Sharkan, Author w/ Illustrator Selina Aiko
Family Friendly Event
Sun, Jan 25, 2026
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Gramercy Books is the official book seller for JChats. Books will be available at each event for purchase.
All details and dates are subject to change at any time.
Why Support JChats? Your sponsorship brings powerful Jewish programming to life — helping to fund top-tier speakers, keep events accessible, and foster connection across our community.
We’re proud to launch JChats with the generous partnership support of the Carol Folkerth Fund for Jewish Inspiration, and invite others to join in sustaining this meaningful new initiative.
Sponsorship Levels & Benefits Subject to Change
Visionary Thinker – $10,000
8 reserved seating tickets per event
Access to pre-event VIP receptions
Prominent name/logo recognition on stage, screen and website
Inspiration Builder – $5,000
6 reserved seating tickets per event
Access to pre-event VIP receptions
Name/logo recognition on stage, screen and website
Learning Leader – $2,500
4 reserved seating tickets per event
Access to pre-event VIP receptions
Recognition on screen and website
Community Connector – $1,000
2 tickets per event
Access to pre-event VIP receptions
Recognition on screen and website
Conversation Starter – $500
4 complimentary event tickets
Recognition on website
Questions? Contact Eva Golden at egolden@columbusjcc.org