The Dorothy Kaplan Book Group

The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1pm in the Conference Room at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Contact our Library Specialist by email or phone (402) 334-6464.

November 15, 1979 marked the debut of the Jewish Federation Library Book Discussion Group, later renamed the “Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group.” In association with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Library, a group of dedicated women, including the late “library diva” Dorothy Kaplan z”l, began the club. It is believed that throughout the country this is the oldest Jewish book group in continuous existence. The group selects books with Jewish content and/or books written by Jewish authors which are designed to appeal to readers of different ages and tastes. With the diversity of topics – everything from poetry and mysteries to science fiction and biographies – and with occasional guest facilitators, including authors, today’s “Dorothy Kaplan Book Group” offers something for everyone. The group welcomes new members.

The Dorothy Kaplan Book Group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1pm in the Wiesman Family Reception Room at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. There is no cost to join and there is always an insightful exchange of observations, opinions and critiques during the group meetings.

Contact our Library Specialist by email or phone (402) 334-6464.

CURRENT BOOK SELECTION

MARCH 2025

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

Adrift in a raft after a deadly ship explosion, ten people struggle for survival at sea. Three days pass. Short on water, food and hope, they spot a man floating in the waves. They pull him in. “Thank the Lord we found you,” a passenger says. “I am the Lord,” the man whispers. So begins Mitch Albom’s most beguiling novel yet.

Albom has written of heaven in the celebrated number one bestsellers “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” and “The First Phone Call from Heaven”. Now, for the first time in his fiction, he ponders what we would do if, after crying out for divine help, God actually appeared before us? A fast-paced, compelling novel that makes you ponder your deepest beliefs, “The Stranger in the Lifeboat suggests that answers to our prayers may be found where we least expect them.”

 

Watch February’s Author Discussion with Jonathan Dunsky

 

 

2025 Selections

Jan  |  Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer

Feb  |  The Auschwitz Detective by Jonathan Dunsky

Mar  |  The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

May  |  Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renée Rosen

 

2024 Selections

Feb  |  As Close to Us as Breathing by Elizabeth Poliner

Mar |  We were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

May |  You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer

Jun |  The Yid: A Novel by Paul Goldberg

Jul |  Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner

Aug |  The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Sep |  Queen for a Day by Maxine Rosaler

Nov |  Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy by Anne Sebba

Dec |  A Jewish Girl in Paris by Melanie Levensohn