Thirteen years ago, a group of Temple members, led by Rabbi Kulwin, began reading together.  Since then, the members of the TBA Book Group have read over 125 books together, and continue to read and discuss (and argue!) together with enthusiasm and enjoyment.

What do we read?  Principally Jewish fiction, that is, fiction written by a Jewish author and/or with a Jewish theme.  We try to read new books by well known authors (Philip Roth, Michael Chabon, Allegra Goodman) shortly after publication and we often delve back into the classic authors of Jewish literature (I.B. Singer, Primo Levi, Bernard Malamud).    We read Israeli authors (Amos Oz, S.Y. Agnon, A.B. Yehoshua) and Jewish authors from places like Brazil, India and Armenia.   And we throw a curve once in a while, as we look at American classics (The Scarlet Letter), current nonfiction (Nickel and Dimed) and true works of miscellany (Knock On Any Door) to see what we might learn from reading them through Jewish eyes.

For a reader, there are few things we enjoy as much as talking over a just-read book with someone else who has read it.  We debate ideas and motives, we discuss characters, we explore authors' motivations.  And in what is the sweetest fruit of such an endeavor, the more we talk the more we learn about the books, and then, of course, ourselves.  Rabbi Kulwin prepares an outline of discussion for each session.... but we generally leave it quickly behind!

If you like to read, and can at least occasionally be available on the first Thursday of every month join us!  Current selections, generally grouped in two or three months of a particular theme, are posted on this website.  Books are almost always available easy from area libraries, or online, or at local bookstores.  And when they are not, the Temple will secure several copies of the book for us to share.

Readers love to read, and serious readers know that talking only enhances the reading.  And when we talk about what we read, we inevitably grow close as we share our thoughts and feelings about how the works we read have touched us. All of us regulars consider this one of the most important hours we spend each month, and we would love to share it with you.

 Spring 2013

Thursday, June 6, 7:30 PM
Jujitsu Rabbi and the Godless Blonde by Rebecca Dana
The opening pages of Jujitsu Rabbi and the Godless Blonde seem to lead us into yet another screed by a disaffected young Jew against a Jewish establishment that just doesn't get it.  We quickly realize however, that there is more here.  Dana is open but not too cute about her own weaknesses, and her insights into subjects as diverse as communal life among the Hasidim, the strengths and vulnerabilities of Jewish communal life, and the future of American Jewry are well worth reading, and a ton of fun.

Lists of Book Group Selections

Rabbi Faith Joy Dantowitz         Alyce Miller  & Steve Delman, Adult Learning Co-Chairs

 To register click here or contact the temple office at 973.994.2290