The Havurah Book Group grew out of Havurah’s commitment to creating a vibrant Jewish community steeped in learning. The group allows us to know one another better through opportunities to share ideas and knowledge that excite us. One of the group’s goals is to become a venue for discussion of complex, controversial issues, discussions that may be difficult to have in other settings.

Meetings are held once monthly to discuss books that have been chosen by the group. We meet on Zoom (Zoom Room Bet - Members can log in to see Zoom room information) from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Members are not obligated to come every month, and can come just to the book discussions that interest them. 

Book suggestions are gathered yearly. The person who suggests the book leads the discussion or arranges for someone else to do it. We currently read a mix of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and memoirs. Member suggestions can also include poetry and drama. 

More than 120 people are on the Book Discussion Google Group. (Click on "HS Book Discussion Google Group" below to join.) If you have questions or would like to be added to the email list please co-chair Shana Elson.

Havurah Shalom Book Group Schedule for 2025-2026 (Year 5786)

October 28, 2025
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
Discussion Leader: Joel Beinin

November 25, 2025
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Ackner
Discussion Leader: Beth Kaye

December 2, 2025 – No meeting

January 27, 2026
The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride
Discussion Leader: Maud Naroll

February 24, 2026
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Discussion Leader: Maud Naroll

March 24, 2026
Being Jewish after the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning by Peter Beinart
Discussion Leader: Joel Beinin

April 28, 2026
Playworld by Adam Ross
Discussion Leader: Beth Kaye

May 26, 2026
Enemies, A Love Story by Isaac Bashevis Singer
Discussion Leader: Sue Danielson

Resources

Book Group's 2023-2024 Reading Schedule with Book Blurbs

Book Group's 2022-2023 Reading Schedule with Book Blurbs

Book Group's 2021-2022 Reading Schedule with Book Blurbs

Tips for Book Discussion Leaders

Previously-Read Books

Book Group General Meeting Minutes, March 2023

Book Group General Meeting Minutes, March 2022

Book Group General Meeting Minutes, March 2021

HS Book Discussion Google Group