Coming Up on Jewish Encounters! [ Edited ]

[Rahel]

Hello Jewish Encounters book club members, lurkers, and new friends!
Get ready, because next week we are jumping from the 12-century to the 19th, from Spain and North Africa to New York City. We'll be discussing Esther Schor's engaging and groundbreaking biography of Emma Lazarus, poet, writer, and activist. Join Professor Schor and me in what is sure to be a fascinating discussion.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Rahel

Message Edited by Rahel on 02-27-2008 11:52 PM

[Rahel]

While there's certainly a lot more to discuss in our Emma Lazarus book club, I also wanted to give a heads-up that next week we will begin our discussion of Barney Ross by Douglas Century. This thrilling story of the great Jewish boxer who overcame personal struggles to triumph both in and out of the ring is a jump of a few decades and several worlds from Emma's rarefied New York City existence -- Barney, although American-born, probably had more in common with the refugees she aided -- and yet the themes of what it means to be a Jew and an American, of the dangers faced by Jews, and of the need for Jewish statehood, are common to these two very different figures.
I hope you'll start reading soon and join us for the conversation, which is sure to be lively!
Best,
Rahel

[Rahel]

Hello, Jewish Encounters friends!
We've been taking a little break (and I hope everyone had a lovely Passover, for those who observe it) but will be coming back strong next week! We are privileged to have Professor Ruth Wisse joining us to discuss her book Jews and Power.

I think it's a particularly appropriate time to begin this conversation. On Thursday, May 1, we observed Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and next week we will observe Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Remembrance Day for the fallen, and Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel Independence Day (Israel's 60th!!!!). So on the calendar we are now situated between the greatest example of Jewish powerlessness and the greatest achievement of Jewish power. There's a lot to discuss, and I hope you'll all join us.
Best,
Rahel