The Dorothy Kaplan Book Group

The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1pm in the Wiesman Family Reception 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

JANUARY 2025

Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer

A pitch-perfect romcom following a third-generation Jewish matchmaker who unwittingly finds her own search for love thrust into the spotlight…

The perfect Jewish husband should be:

  • A doctor or lawyer (preferably a doctor)
  • Baggage-free (no previous marriages, no children)
  • And of course—he must be Jewish

As the creator and CEO of the popular Jewish dating app J-Mate, matchmaker Dara Rabinowitz knows the formula for lasting love—at least, for everyone else. When it comes to her own love life, she’s been idling indefinitely. Until her beloved bubbe shares Dara’s checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband” on national television and charming news anchor Chris Steadfast proposes they turn Dara’s search into must-see TV.

As a non-Jewish single dad, Chris doesn’t check any of Dara’s boxes. But her hunt for Mr. Perfect is the ratings boost his show desperately needs. If only Chris could ignore his own pesky attraction to Dara—a task much easier said than done when Dara starts questioning if “perfect on paper” can compete with how hard she’s falling for Chris…

 

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