Last year, in response to community input for increased learning opportunities, the Westchester Jewish Council launched its Jewish Literacy Initiative. Following our successful kick-off event with Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, we are thrilled to announce the next phase of the Jewish Literacy Initiative which will focus on learning about different periods in Jewish history. This selection was based upon hundreds of survey results we received. Although we have not yet settled on the precise dates or speakers, we wanted to announce the suggested reading so that you can include these books in your summer reading plans.
We will be exploring three crucial phases of Jewish history, with separate expert presenters for each, and a suggested (but not required) book. We will explore:
THE EARLY SAGES OF THE MISHNAH. The suggested reading is The Orchard by Yochi Brandes. Targeting late October.
THE ENLIGHTENMENT. The suggested reading is Out of the Ghetto: The Social Background of Jewish Emancipation 1770-1870 by Jacob Katz. Targeting late January 2023.
THE FOUNDING AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL. The suggested reading is Like Dreamers by Yossi Klein Halevi. Targeting early May.
We will announce specific information for each event as soon as we can. Please send Helene – helene@wjcouncil.org — your full name and email address in order to receive updates, or contact her if you have questions.
Thank you to our many partners including Jewish Education Project, WATE and Westchester Board of Rabbis.
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), Elizabeth Lampert (Westchester Jewish Council Board Member), 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)
