Our 2019 Season
Led by Gail Robinson
This season we enjoyed lively discussions of Jewish-themed books from a variety of genres—we spoke about everything from how gentrification or Jewish conversion exposes hidden prejudices to how one can survive antisemitism and still keep true to oneself.
All are welcome at Books of Jewish Interest (BJI). Participants are expected to read the book listed for the date. We have wonderful discussants for each of the books. The leader presents an informative summary of the book’s story or thesis, provides questions to stimulate the discussion, and brings a snack for about 15 people.
Thank you to our co-sponsor, Bethlehem Public Library for hosting the 2019 season of BJI. The Library has conference call capability, handicapped-accessibility, and plenty of parking.
The Plot Against America, Philip Roth
Wednesday, July 17 2019 at 4p
Leading the Discussion: Jacki Katsman
I must admit, it was a review article in the New Yorker that convinced me to pick this Philip Roth’s book. It is a masterwork of counterfactual history, a what-if story in which Charles Lindbergh, the aviation hero and Nazi sympathizer, is elected President in 1940, leading to the widespread persecution of Jews in the United States. Roth focuses on one family to tell this story and the reader watches as each member chooses to “survive” in different ways. For some background on Philip Roth, watch PBS American Masters Program.
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Also available at the Bethlehem Public Library
Bethlehem Road Murder, Batya Gur
Wednesday, July 31 2019 at 4p
Leading the Discussion: Gail Robinson and Martin Kessel
Bethlehem Road Murder is no ordinary whodunit. In fact, the mystery takes a back step to the Bethlehem Road. Where the schisms in modern day Jerusalem are in full display – Palestinians renovating former Arab houses for Jews; Ashkenazi and Yemini Jews suspicious of each others’ traditions (while their children date each other); and old poor settlers worried about rising rents and young hip professionals wanting to gentrify the neighborhood. Her detective, Chief Superintendent Michael Ohayon of the Jerusalem police, was not only tall, dark-eyed and compassionate; he was also cerebral, introspective and melancholic. Trained in history and literature at Cambridge, he was the author of an unfinished doctoral dissertation on medieval guilds. He also has just bought an apartment in this neighborhood and is Yemini. In order to solve the murder, he must unearth Israel’s pastFor more information on the disappeared children of Israel, check out this NYT article.
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Also available at the Bethlehem Public Library
Scenes from the real Bethlehem Road
Scenes from the real Bethlehem Road
Scenes from the real Bethlehem Road
Lovesong: Becoming a Jew, Julius Lester
Wednesday, August 14 2019 at 4p
Leading the Discussion: Steve Monsein
Lester's central story is of his movement from nominal Protestantism, through a flirtation with Catholicism and an interest in American Indian religions, to the synagogue he was formally received into at age 43, on Jan. 3, 1983. At the same time, it's necessarily the story of his public life and, above all, his sense of self, particularly of being black and Jewish. Lester taught at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA, first in Black Studies and then in Jewish and Judiac and Near Eastern Studies. This book led to his ouster from Black Studies. Lester also led the Congregation at Beth El in St. Johnsbury for a while. Many of our congregants knew Lester.
Purchase on Amazon
Purchase at Abe’s Books
Also available at the Bethlehem Public Library
The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris
Wednesday, August 28 2019 at 4p
Leading the Discussion: Melissa Potter
This novel tries to answer the hard questions that arise about those perceived to have cooperated with their captors. How does one justify saving one’s life over others? The reader like the hero is constantly moving the goalpost. The novel is based on real people, Lale and Gita Sokolov, who both survived Auschwitz and immigrated to Australia.
Purchase on Amazon
Purchase at Abe’s Books
Also available at the Bethlehem Public Library
Other Books of Jewish Interest Seasons
We have saved our past series logs for your knowledge base. Meetings are open to anyone and everyone interested in participating in a reading group. The actual dates for each book will depend on volunteer and Author availability. Please call (202) 744-4646 or email Gail Robinson at gailkr48@gmail.com if you have any questions.