CBT's Jewish Book Group

My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew by Abigail Pogrebin

Wednesday, September 11th at 6:30 pm

“Contrary to the other three hundred days of the year, when you’re running and doing and building and constructing, the Jewish holidays provide a kind of in-built way to pause and to gather yourself and regenerate…” Abigail Pogrebin

What does it mean to be Jewish? From Elul, the period of reflection preceding Rosh Hashanah, to the final Shabbat of the year, Abigail Pogrebin observes the often opposite strands of gratitude and sorrow, feasting and (six) fasting days. As she wrestles to gain meaning with what she’s learning, we learn more about our traditions with her. She draws background information and thematic connections from Orthodox to Reconstructionist Rabbis, scholars and intellectuals to understand the why’s of what we believe and practice. 

Which quote or explanation stayed with you? What did you learn that you hope to add to your life?
Our discussion will “…connect the dots. When we see the threads, the fabric feels stronger.” 

Please join us promptly at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, September 11th at the home of Nirit Rubenstein. To confirm your participation, please RSVP by texting Nirit at 415-516-4229 or e-mailing her at nirit.rubenstein@gmail.com. She will provide her address and directions. Since she lives in the Arcadia area, you may want to carpool with a friend or group of friends.

If you’d like to host a meeting, please contact Rebbetzin Esther Allouche. 

If you’d like to assist with developing our library Monday mornings from 9-10:30 am or by donating Jewish-themed books, contact Diana Krohn.

Tentative List of Upcoming Books: (calendar order may change)

Oct 16    The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah

Nov 14    The English Teacher, Yiftach Reicher Atir  MEN INVITED (changed to Thursday)

Dec 11    The Sinners and the Sea, Rebecca Kanner 

Jan 8       The Daughters Victorious: A Dramatization of the Torah Story of the Daughters of

                Zelaphchad, Shalom Wexler

Feb 12     Reconnecting to the Magic of Life, Joyce Mills Ph.D.

Mar 11    The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon, Richard Zimler

Apr 1       The Bomb in the Basement: How Israel Went Nuclear and What That Means for the 

                World, Michael Karpin  MEN INVITED   

May 13    Positivity Bias, Rabbi Mendel Kalmenson

June 10    In Another Time, Jillian Cantor