The group meets on the 3rd 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.
The Outside World by Tova Mirvis
Tzippy Goldman was born for marriage. She and her mother had always assumed she’d graduate high school, be set up with the right boy, and have a beautiful wedding with white lace and pareve vanilla cream frosting. But at twenty-two, Tzippy’s fast approaching spinsterhood. She dreams of escape; instead, she leaves for a year in Jerusalem. There she meets–re-meets–Baruch, the son of her mother’s college roommate. When Tzippy last saw him, his name was Bryan and he wore a Yankees-logo yarmulke. Now he has adopted the black hat of the ultra-orthodox, the tradition in which Tzippy was raised. Twelve weeks later, they’re engaged…and discovering that desire and tradition, devotion and individuality aren’t the easiest balance. Hilarious, compassionate, and tremendously insightful, The Outside World illuminates an insular community, marvelously depicting that complicated blend of faith, love, and family otherwise known as life in a modern world.
August | The Orthodox Match by Naomi Ragen
California girl Lola has her life all set up: business degree, handsome fiancé, fast track career, when suddenly, without warning, everything tragically implodes. After years fruitlessly searching for love, marriage, and children, she decides to take the radical step of seeking spirituality and meaning far outside the parameters of modern life in the insular, ultraorthodox enclave of Boro Park, Brooklyn. There, fate brings her to the dysfunctional home of newly-widowed Jacob, a devout Torah scholar, whose life is also in turmoil, and whose small children are aching for the kindness of a womanly touch.
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 | Not Quite Kosher by Stuart Kaminsky
June | The Dinner Party by Brenda Janowitz
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
