CBT's Jewish Book Group

Wednesday, March 11

6:30 PM   

Reading the book:

The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon

by Richard Zimler

at the home of Alexzandra Erlich 

“In Kabbalah, all books can be read on four levels: literal, allegorical, ethical and mystical.” Richard Zemler

In The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon, Zemler says he wanted to do something similar in his novel. The spiritual interpretation and religious practices of young Berekiah Zarco, his main character, are important in solving the premeditated murder of Zarco’s Uncle Abraham, a renowned Kabbalist and manuscript illuminator. During this time, instead 

of expelling the Jews and Muslims hiding after the Spanish Inquisition, King Manuel of Portugal tries to convert them by force. But when he sometimes loses control, converts are burned, murdered or tortured.

Zemler’s detective story, solved with the assistance of Farid, his Muslim friend, is filled with believable characters, false leads, twists and turns in the plot, philosophical questions, contemplations on right and wrong, human nature, love and hate. Therefore, in addition to being a thriller with real characters and historical detail, Zemler delves into Kabbalah to add a meditation on death, crime and intolerance. In unraveling the mystery, Zarco discovers much about himself as well.

Join us on Wednesday, March 11th at 6:30 pm for a brief Skype discussion with Richard Zemler followed by our group discussion.  Please RSVP to our host, Alexzandra Hollingworth-Erlich, for her address and directions.  text 480-381-7172

Tentative list of upcoming book group meetings:

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

               for the World, Michael Karpin  MEN INVITED, Jordana Jaffe hosting   

May 13   Hidden Pearl, Judy Laufer, Ellen Lawson hosting

Jun 10    In Another Time, Jillian Cantor