The book is the boundless realm, a great counselor, educator, partner in life. On November 28, we had our annual Community Festival of Jewish books (OFEK) in the House of Peoples' Friendship. This OFEK was devoted to books of Ludmila Ulitskaya. In the audience there were a lot of fans of this well-known writer. This year, our Jewish Library has acquired six new books by Ludmila Ulitskaya and the audience came prepared.

Community members decorated the House of Friendship with posters with the logo of the festival and children’s drawings. There was an exhibition of Ludmila Ulitskaya books and photos. Everyone could get acquainted with her works. The Festival Director Bella Atran and Librarian Irina Mansurovna Valiyeva developed the Festival program. A lot of work had been done to prepare for the OFEK because the Festival should be understandable for people of all ages and educational levels. Dina Sulumova was the presenter and Daria Chibisova, the leader of the youth club made a presentation on Ulitskaya’s books to the Festival guests.

Ulitskaya wrote about himself, "I am a Jew. National identity of a Jewish girl in the 50s was quite difficult, believe me. I experienced it very deeply. It did not mean to be better or worse, it meant to be different... I wanted to be like everyone else. I shared my thoughts about it in my books." Dasha Chibisova presented Ulitskaya’s famous books - the novel "Sonya", for which the author received a French award "Medici," the novel "Medea and Her Children" marked by the Booker Prize. Ulitskaya’s books were awarded in many countries - France (1998), Italy (2002), England (2009). The films "Sisters Liberty", "Woman for All" and many other films were made based in her scenarios. Ludmila Evgenyavna’s books have been translated into 25 languages.

Children from the Jewish Sunday School prepared poems and sketches for the OFEK. Waltz, performed by Jewish children's dancing group "Alizimki" won the hearts of all the guests present at the festival. Anya Loskutova presented different proverbs and sayings about the Book. We have invited guests from the Children's Art School. Altair Gizatulin played "Love Story" on the saxophone, Marina Cloonnaya played the flute. Philharmonic soloists Margaret Keen and Irene Rahmeeva played classical music. Alexander A. Korotkov played Jewish folklore "Cigarettes" and "Seven Forty" on the accordion. The young star of our community Anel Akbalaeva sang the "Jewish Rock and Roll." Presenter Deana Sulumova completed holiday with the words: "We do not say goodbye, we tell you "see you soon at Hanukkah!"

Bella Atran