June 23, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

Celebrate Hanukkah with Authors Paul Small and Josh Freeman at Diesel, A Bookstore

Interactive Event Explores the Deeper Meaning of Hanukkah With Art and Music

On Saturday, Dec. 28, at 2:00 p.m., authors Paul Small and Josh Freeman will visit Diesel, A Bookstore in Brentwood, to share their new book, A Festival of Light: The Meaning of Hanukkah. The event is free and will take place in the store’s courtyard.

Normally, you can reserve a seat by buying a copy of the book, but the bookstore’s supply is already sold out. You can however watch the event in the Brentwood Country Mart’s courtyard, just arrive early. 

The program, designed for all ages, will feature interactive activities led by the authors, including drawing, discussions, and even some singing. The focus will be on identifying what brings joy and meaning to life, emphasizing the book’s central theme: that recognizing what we love can help us spread love to others.


While Hanukkah is often considered a lighthearted holiday focused on dreidels, latkes, and presents, A Festival of Light aims to elevate its significance. The book explores eight core human values — Faith, Freedom, Courage, Love, Charity, Integrity, Knowledge, and Peace — pairing each value with an essay written by the authors’ great-uncle, celebrated American playwright Dore Schary.

In addition to essays, the hardbound coffee table book includes beautiful photography, historical context, recipes, musical playlists, and personal reflections, making it a rich resource for families to create meaningful Hanukkah traditions. The authors hope their work will resonate in today’s divisive times, offering a fresh perspective on the holiday’s themes of dedication and unity.


Josh Freeman is the president and creative director of FreeAssociates, a Los Angeles-based design agency specializing in brand identity and communication. Paul Small has built a career in entertainment, advertising, and real estate, representing and advocating for the best interests of his clients. Both authors are cousins and grandchildren of Dore Schary’s sisters.

Dore Schary (1905–1980) was a renowned screenwriter, producer, and director with 372 film credits, including Boys Town (1938), which won him an Academy Award. Schary served as the head of MGM studios, wrote the Tony-winning play Sunrise at Campobello, and was deeply involved in public service, including his tenure as National Chairman of the Anti-Defamation League.

in News
Related Posts

Recent Homebuyer Down Payments Slip for First Time in Nearly Two Years

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

April’s Median Down Payment Fell as Buyers Lean Toward Lower-Cost Homes The median down payment made by U.S. homebuyers dropped...

Del Rey Affordable Housing Project to Rise on Former Charter School Site

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

Community Corp., Local Faith Group Team Up to Build 122 New Apartments Plans are moving forward for a new residential...

Paris Hilton Buys Mark Wahlberg’s Beverly Park Mansion for $63.1M

June 22, 2025

June 22, 2025

The Heiress and Media Mogul Joins a Star-Studded Neighborhood Paris Hilton and husband Carter Reum have purchased a high-profile estate...

A.O.C. Brentwood to Close After 16 Years on San Vicente Boulevard

June 22, 2025

June 22, 2025

Chef Goin and Styne Cite Unsustainably High Rent in Decision to Close  A.O.C. Brentwood, the acclaimed Westside outpost from James...

Brentwood Book Signing Explores Why Wolves Matter to Nature’s Balance

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

Children’s Author Karen B. Winnick to Appear June 22 at DIESEL, A Bookstore Children’s author and wildlife advocate Karen B....

Weekend Lane Closures on PCH in Malibu Could Snarl Summer Beach Traffic

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

Army Corps Work Triggers Weekend Closure on Pacific Coast Highway Motorists traveling along Pacific Coast Highway this weekend should prepare...

LA City Councilwomen Yaroslavsky and Jurado Call for Legal Action Against Federal Immigration Raids

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

City Motion Targets Alleged Unconstitutional Tactics, End Qualified Immunity for Fed Officers  City Councilmembers Katy Yaroslavsky and Ysabel Jurado introduced...

All Aboard to LAX: Metro Opens Game-Changing Transit Hub Ahead of Global Events

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

 New LAX/Metro Transit Center Comes Closer to Connecting Metro Directly to LAX The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)...

Princess Diana’s Largest Wardrobe Auction Set for Beverly Hills

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Over 200 Royal Garments to Hit the Auction Block for Charity More than 200 garments and royal artifacts, including the...

Queer Beauty Through the Ages: Getty Hosts Lecture on Greek Art’s Influence on LGBTQ Aesthetics

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Art Historian to Trace Homoerotic Imagery From Ancient Greece to Modern Queer Identity As part of its ongoing Pride Month...

Food Fight on the Venice Boardwalk: Chefs Stand Up for Immigrants with Food

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Turk’s Pizza Party Rallies Top Local Eateries for an Immigrant Rights Fundraiser In a bold display of culinary activism, Turk’s...

Navy Vietnam Vet Finally Gets His UCLA Commencement Moment

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

John Fong, 80, Missed His Graduation in 1968 While in Vietnam  Nearly six decades after completing his studies, U.S. Navy...

Films, Flair, and Panoramas: Free Cultural Events Light Up The Ebell This Week

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

The Ebell Theatre Hosts a Double Feature of Films, Plus a Coffee Talk A pair of free public events this...

9th Circuit Court Backs Trump in Battle Over California National Guard Control

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Federal Judges Allow Trump to Retain Command of Troops in Los Angeles Federal judges on Thursday cleared the way for...

Nightly I-405 Lane Closures Begin June 23 for Sepulveda Pass Rehab

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Caltrans Will Shut Down Select Lanes Nightly Through June 28 The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced overnight lane...