Carl & Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies at Fairfield University hosts poetry reading with award-winning poet Stephen Herz | Press Releases

"Whatever you can Carry: Poems of the Holocaust" is the title of a poetry reading to be given by award-winning Westport poet Stephen Herz, sponsored by the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies of the College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University. The reading will take place on Thursday, April 14, at 7 p.m. in the multimedia room of Fairfield University's DiMenna-Nyselius Library.

Stephen Herz is a former advertising copywriter and creative director turned poet. His poems have been widely published in literary journals and magazines and he is a winner of the New England Poet's Daniel Varoujian Prize,

Herz will read from his book "Whatever You Can Carry," (2003 Barnwood Press), which contains 83 poems including "Figuren" and "In Your Lager Dream." The book is now used as part of the Jewish Studies curriculum at Ball State University in Indiana.

"Not since Primo Levi's 'Survival In Auschwitz' have I read a book so precise, so powerful, so terrifying," said poet Thomas Lux.

"The writings of Stephen Herz are sure to have a great emotional impact on all who hear them," said Ellen Umansky, Ph.D., the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Professor of Judaic Studies, and Director of the Judaic Studies Program. "It will be a very serious, but enlightening evening."

The reading is open to the public, but space is limited and reservations are requested. For information and to register, please contact Judaic Studies at Fairfield University at (203) 254-4000, ext 2066.