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Jewish History Through Historical Fiction

Past Sessions
Thursday, May 2, 2024 24 Nisan 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, April 4, 2024 25 Adar II 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, March 21, 2024 11 Adar II 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, January 18, 2024 8 Sh'vat 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, December 7, 2023 24 Kislev 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, November 16, 2023 3 Kislev 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, November 2, 2023 18 Cheshvan 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library

Jewish History Through Fiction
 

This class will use selected works of Jewish historical fiction to look at the key ideas, cultural currents, challenges, debates and opportunities Jews faced in history. Participants do not have to read the novels suggested, although they will provide background into what we will discuss each session. One of the goals is for students to consider how some of the concerns we face as Jews today arose in the past, helping define one’s own sense about what is important in terms of a personal Jewish identity and why. 

Class Schedule:
Thursdays  |  9:30 – 11:00 AM

Nov 2 & 16  •  Dec 7  •  Jan 18  •  Mar 21  •  Apr 4  •  May 2


 To RSVP or with questions, contact Rabbi Sank Ross (rabbijsr@commsyn.org).
 


Date
 
Historical Period Book(s)

Nov 2
 
Biblical Period
The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks
The Red Tent by Anita Diament
The King David Report by Stefan Heym

 

Nov 16
 
Hellenistic / Roman Era The Dove Keepers by Alice Hoffman

Dec 7
 
Talmudic Age As a Driven Leaf by Milton Steinberg
Jan 18 World of the Goenim &
Medieval Period

A Guide for the Perplexed by Dara Horn
Rashi's Daughters by Maggie Anton

 
Mar 21 Medieval World through
The Inquisition

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
The Last Jew by Noah Gordon
The Last Kabbalist by Richard Zimler

 
Apr 4 Enlightenment & Emancipation to Holocaust
The Coffee Trader by David Liss
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish

 
May 2 Modernity: Jewish Identity in Israel & Diaspora
The Rise of David Levinsky by Abraham Cahan
The Brothers Ashkenazi by I.J. Singer
The Red Balcony by Jonathan Wilson
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

 


If you plan on purchasing any books listed above and wish to support a local, independent bookstore, we are grateful that Theodore’s Books (Oyster Bay) is offering a 15% discount on all books.
Please indicate that you are in “The Jewish Journey book club” at The Community Synagogue.

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Wed, May 15 2024 7 Iyar 5784