A pop-up Jewish bookstore is taking over the LES for two days only

To celebrate 100 years of Jewish Book Month—the annual celebration of Jewish literature typically observed the month before Hanukkah, in November—the Jewish Book Council is transforming 81 Hester Street on the Lower East Side into a pop-up Jewish bookstore on Sunday, November 16, and Monday, November 17, from 9am to 6pm.

The unique activation comes with plenty of freebies, of course. The Jewish Book Council will be giving away 1,000 free Jewish books, plus hot chocolate and other “Jewish literary goodies,” according to an official press release.

A number of authors and literary personalities will also be in attendance, promising a lively lineup that’s sure to appeal to readers of all kinds. On Sunday between 10am and 11am, folks from PJ Library will be on hand for a special discussion. Artists Against Antisemitism, a nonprofit “committed to raising awareness of antisemitism in the arts,” will also make an appearance, alongside representatives from Havurah—the collective of young Jewish artists behind Verklempt!, the novel Jewish art and literature magazine—plus the Five Books Podcast, People Jew Wanna Know Podcast and Golda, the Jewish lifestyle guide curated by Stephanie Butnick.

Authors Talia Benamy, Zibby Owens, Richard Michelson and Esther Chehebar will be there on Sunday to sign books. On Monday, expect another visit from Artists Against Antisemitism and representatives from JBI Library.

Don’t sleep on Sunday morning’s early-bird book giveaway: staffers will be handing out bagels from Russ & Daughters along with a limited number of copies of Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing. You’ll definitely want to get there early for that.