Literary Arts

Join the JCC of Greater Washington, the DC JCC, and the JCC of Northern Virginia in celebrating the release of Dr. Erica Brown's new book.

Dr. Erica Brown
Confronting Scandal:
How Jews Can Respond When Jews Do Bad Things
Tuesday, September 21, 7:30 p.m.
Jews seem to be in the news today for all of the wrong reasons. Whether it is Bernie Madoff, a money laundering scheme or clergy abuse, the Jewish community has yet to take stock of what these breaches of civil law and Jewish ethical teachings mean for us as a people.

Dr. Erica Brown, local award winning Jewish educator and writer, explores the difficult and thorny issues surrounding scandals and calls on us to answer to a higher moral authority.

Free admission. Reception and book signing following lecture. For more information, contact Jodi Shulimson at 301-348-3769 or jshulimson@jccgw.org. Desserts generously donated by Sunflower Bakery.

Book Festival

Save the Date for the next Book Festival! November 4-14, 2010

Best selling and highly recognized authors visit
the JCC to discuss their recently published books covering a wide range of topics including Israel, politics, women’s issues, the Holocaust, history, current events, and children and family programs. This 10 day Jewish literary extravaganza is one of the largest on the east coast and also features a book store with over 6000 new books of Jewish content for sale which have been personally selected by our volunteer committee.

Some of the featured authors at our recent Festival included Rabbi Harold Kushner, journalist Jeffrey Zaslow, former FDA chairman Dr. David Kessler, Grammy award winner Peter Yarrow and renowned linguist Dr. Deborah Tannen.

The 2010 Book Festival will take place November 4-14. Be sure to watch the website for details. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lynn Gittleson at lgittleson@jccgw.org for more information. Click here to sponsor the 41st Annual Book Festival.

Kass Judaic Library
Open most days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adjacent to the Membership Desk is the hidden jewel of our Center and a wonderful resource and benefit for all members—the Kass Judaic Library. Whether you are looking for fiction, history, children’s books, reference books, videos or DVD’s—you can find them all in our fully computerized library. We are proud to stock the latest books of Jewish. Look for content including well-known authors Philip Roth, Amos Oz, Naomi Ragen, A.B. Yehoshua, Rabbi Harold Kushner and many, many more! Library patrons may take advantage of free internet access and there is also a large selection of DVD’s and books on tape. Our library is staffed by volunteers. Please call 301-348-3776 to confirm hours of operation. For additional information about the library contact Jodi Shulimson at 301-348-3769 or jshulimson@jccgw.org.

JCCGW Book Clubs

Looking for a book club? The JCC offers five book clubs for all your interests from fiction to history to biography to contemporary issues. It is a great opportunity to make new friends. For more information, please call Jodi Shulimson at 301-348-3769. All book clubs meet at the JCC.

BOOKS & FELLOWSHIP

A group for Jewish singles ager 45+ which meets on various Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon. For further information email Jay at jdoniger@starpower.net.

Hot Topic: The Rape of the Ocean

Sunday, September 12

Book Discussion: Day After Night by Anita Diamamt

Sunday, September 26

Facilitator: S. Cadoff

JCC HADASSAH BOOK CLUB
Read a great selection of books and meet many interesting people! All are welcome to attend these drop-in book discussions.

The book selections for 2009-10, as chosen by the group, are listed below and will be publicized each month in the Center Scene. A mix of fiction and nonfiction books by Jewish authors and/or with Jewish themes, they are readily available in paperback or at the library. Members of the group are encouraged to take turns leading the discussions.

If you would like to receive e-mail reminders of meetings and notifications about book-related events, contact Jodi Shulimson at 301-348-3769 or jshulimson@jccgw.org, or Ellen Elow-Mintz at 301-897-2796 or elow-mintz@comcast.net.

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hil

Thursday, October 14, 1 p.m.

JEWISH BOOK CLUB

The Jewish Book Club usually meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month in the Kass Judaic Library. The group offers an intimate setting in which to explore Jewish authors and Judaic themes through books. Everyone is welcome to attend, however, only those who have read the current selection are welcome to participate in the discussion. For the date, time and book selection please check the library.

The club’s volunteer facilitator, Jonina Duker, is certified by The Great Books Foundation as a discussion group leader. For more information about the Jewish Book Club, contact Jonina Duker at 301-530-2361 after 10 a.m. only.

Genesis and the Big Bang by Gerald Schroeder
Wednesday, September 15, 7:30 p.m.

NCJW MONTHLY BOOK DISCUSSION

Please check back for Fall dates!

JEWISH HISTORY BOOK CLUB
The Jewish History Book Club explores topics ranging from ancient to modern Jewish history. Now in its 10th year, sessions combine intellectual rigor with dynamic discussion, debate and fun. The group is small, close-knit and diverse. For information as to the exact times and dates, please contact Claire Simmons at 301-279-0012.