Leonard Nimoy, actor, director, author and poet, will kick off this fall’s annual San Diego Jewish Book Fair at a special appearance Oct. 16 with the debut of his photographic essay, “Shekhina,” focusing on the female body and the feminine aspects of the divine.

The event, which hosts more than 30 authors, spans two months and includes a week of festivities, Nov. 9 to 14. The fair includes author appearances and book signings, as well as discussions and lectures about the entertainment industry, current events, history, politics, religion, music, cooking, family life and more. The fair offers the public a view of the world from a Jewish perspective and creates an awareness of the Jewish Community Center’s library. “The event is for people of all races, all ages and all faiths,” says Jacqueline Gmach, associate executive director of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the JCC. “It is a chance for people to get acquainted with books, celebrities and the Jewish culture.”

Comedian Alan King will make an appearance with his “Great Jewish Joke Book.” Also appearing will be Hollywood studio chief and movie producer Michael Oren introducing his book, “Six Days of War,” a discussion on how to start a peace process in the Middle East and Steven Emerson with his book, “American Jihad.” Speakers include Rabbi Avi Weiss, an activist dealing with spirituality and terrorism, Mike Medavoy and Andree Aelion Brooks.

Nov. 10 and 11 are family days with children’s games, story telling, cooking demonstrations and crafts.

The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center is located at 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla. Tickets for the fair range from $12 to $24. Call the box office at (858) 362-1348 or visit www.lfjcc.org for a complete schedule of events and to purchase advance tickets.

— Katherine Lyon