Read, and dive into a new world. Join in a lively discussion of Jewish-themed books from a variety of genres–fiction, memoir, history, and more.
Books provided by Jewish Community Library’s Book Club in a Box.
March, The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
April, Lake Success by Gary Shteyngart
May, The Last Watchman of Old Cairo by Michael David Lukas
Sunday, May 19 · 3:00 – 4:30 pm · Board Room · Free for Members & the Public
The Plot Against America is this year’s selection for Jewish LearningWorks’ One Bay One Book program. In their culminating event on the Peninsula, hosted by the PJCC, a panel of communal leaders and educators will discuss how reading the book in 2019 has taken on a different meaning than when the novel was published in 2004.
For many, reading Philip Roth’s The Plot Against America today has taken on a different meaning than when the novel was published in 2004. How does the scenario Roth paints relate to present fears about the status of Jews and other minorities in the United States, and about the strength of American democracy? This event will focus on the factors that make this book so resonant for readers, with a panel of communal leaders and educators reflecting on how the novel relates to challenges in our day.
About the Panel:
Seth Brysk is the ADL Central Pacific Regional Director, based in San Francisco, serving Northern California, Utah, and Hawai’i. He is one of the Jewish community’s primary interlocutors with diplomats; local, state and federal officials; clergy; and ethnic leaders promoting civil rights, justice, and fair treatment for all.
Sarah Fields is the Peninsula Public Affairs and Civic Engagement Manager for the Jewish Community Relations Council. She holds a BA in metropolitan studies and politics from New York University and a Master of Urban Planning degree from the City University of New York, Hunter College. Prior to joining the JCRC staff, she worked as an aide to State Senator Marty Block, founder of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
David Waksberg is the CEO of Jewish LearningWorks. Before joining Jewish LearningWorks in 2007, David was a software executive, and, prior to that, was a leader in the movement to rescue Soviet Jews, serving as executive director of the Bay Area Council for Soviet Jews, and founder of the Center for Jewish Renewal in the USSR.
Pre-registration strongly suggested. Presented by the Jewish Community Library.
