Dickstein on Memoir at Adas

When Morris Dickstein talks about “the art and challenges of memoir writing” at Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor on Nov. 15, the eminent culture critic and professor will more than know of what he speaks, he will be speaking from his own recent history and recent work — his well-received “Why Not Say What Happened: A Sentimental Education.”

The book begins with his Orthodox Jewish upbringing on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, study at the Jewish Theological Seminary and Columbia University, and his path, generally speaking, to his more than 40 years as a public intellectual. Mr. Dickstein, who has a house in Sag Harbor, is distinguished professor emeritus of English and theater at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.

Sunday’s free workshop, which starts at 11 a.m., marks Jewish Book Month. “Everyone is invited to learn more about Dickstein’s intriguing life story and how to create your own captivating memoir,” a temple release said.

In another such celebration, on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. Rabbi Daniel Geffen will lead a discussion of Rabbi David Wolpe’s “David: The Divided Heart,” a National Jewish Book Award finalist in 2014.