Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

This past Sunday, Oct. 29, marked Temple Israel’s First Annual Book Fair and Corned Beef Sandwich Day, and whether measuring books, beef, or bucks, the event was a success.

Thousands of books were donated over the last several months and up to the day of the event, which was held in Temple Israel’s Roth Social Hall at 50 S. Moss Road in Winter Springs. Organized by fiction, nonfiction, and children’s categories, books filled nearly a dozen tables, including one for miscellaneous media such as games, puzzles, CDs, and other make-an-offer items. Hardcover books were priced at two dollars while paperbacks cost one dollar each. Close to 400 books were sold.

Hungry shoppers enjoyed kosher corned beef sandwiches, each filled with a half-pound of freshly sliced meat, piled high on seeded rye, and accompanied by potato salad and a sour pickle, all carefully assembled by volunteers. Lauren Brown, longtime Temple Israel member and former owner of Brown’s New York Deli, which operated in Maitland and closed in 2015, cured and sliced all of the corned beef. Between pre-orders and purchases the day of, Temple Israel sold out of the popular sandwiches.

In addition to used books, several local authors sold their books during the event: Milly Dawson, Joni Okun, Harry Rein, Emily Raij, Mike Schneider, and Lisa Schreiber. A 50/50 raffle collected nearly $3,000, with half going toward Temple Israel’s fundraiser and the other half being awarded to winner and Temple Israel member Carol Albert.

Whether shopping, selling, or sandwiching, attendees enjoyed this unique event at Temple Israel, which is already collecting books for next year’s Second Annual Book Fair and Corned Beef Sandwich Day.