Jewish Literacy Initiative

WJC Jewish Literacy Initiative Continues

In response to community input for increased learning opportunities, the Westchester Jewish Council launched its Jewish Literacy Initiative. Following our successful kick-off event in 2023 with Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, the next phase of the Jewish Literacy Initiative focused on learning about different periods in Jewish history. This selection was based upon hundreds of survey results we received. 

We explored three crucial phases of Jewish history, with separate expert presenters for each, and a suggested (but not required) book.  We explored:

         THE EARLY SAGES OF THE MISHNAH.  The suggested reading was The Orchard by Yochi Brandes. 

      THE ENLIGHTENMENT.  The suggested reading was Out of the Ghetto: The Social Background of Jewish Emancipation 1770-1870 by Jacob Katz.  

     THE FOUNDING AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL.  The suggested reading was Like Dreamers by Yossi Klein Halevi.  

Please send Helene – helene@wjcouncil.org  — your full name and email address in order to receive updates, or contact her if you have questions.

Jewish Literacy Committee: Betty Berenson (Westchester Jewish Council Board Member), Joyce Claar (Westchester Jewish Council Board Member), Jonathan Flaxer (Chairman, Literacy Committee & Westchester Jewish Council Board Member), Rabbi Sarah Friedson (Temple Beth Shalom of Mahopac), Michele Gregson (Westchester Jewish Council Board Member), Rabbi Evan Hoffman (Congregation Anshe Sholom of New Rochelle and President of the Westchester Board of Rabbis), Rabbi Wendy Pein (Temple Israel of Northern Westchester and Westchester Association of Teachers and Educators – WATE), Rebecca Ruberg (Jewish Education Project), William Schrag (President of the Westchester Jewish Council