Book Group
Book Group
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 Stacy Hankin.
Havurah Book Group 2024-2025 Discussion Schedule Chart
[Click here for blurbs on each book.]
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
Wed, April 30 2025
2 Iyyar 5785
Need Help? If you are a Havurah member in need of help, log in to find resources here.
Havurah Updates
Upcoming Events
IP = In person only (normally at Havurah Shalom);
ZM = On Zoom/online only;
HYB = In person and online; and
ANN = In person at Havurah's Annex.
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Wednesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2025(IP) Teens and the Poverty and Homelessness Committee
Wednesday, Apr 30th 6:30p to 8:30p
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Wednesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2025(IP) Hebrew as a Tool: Prayer and Torah (registration closed)
Wednesday, Apr 30th 7:00p to 8:15p
(This class will now be starting on January 8.) Using an in-depth, word-by-word approach, we discover literal meaning(s), ancient layers of understanding, and our own personal interpretations that stem from the nuances of the Hebrew text. Basic Hebrew decoding skills necessary. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025(HYB) Shabbat Morning
Shabbat, May 3rd 10:00a to 12:00p
Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin (who is on sabbatical until July 1, 2025), this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion. Join us afterward for a light community brunch provided by the Lunches and Noshes Committee! Free childcare is provided. For Zoom information, please email info@havurahshalom.org. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025(IP) Shabbat School
Shabbat, May 3rd 3:00p to 5:15p
This program gives children a foundation for lifelong Jewish learning and engagement while integrating parents and children in a caring Jewish community. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025Grade 6 Shabbat School Special Celebration
Shabbat, May 3rd 3:45p to 5:15p
Parents of Grade 6 students gather during Shabbat School and Havdallah to celebrate their students. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025(ZM) Progressive Israel Network Sessions
Sunday, May 4th 11:00a to 12:00p
Havurah Shalom is hosting a four-session series from the Progressive Israel Network. Come learn in collaboration with representatives from five to six of the participating Progressive Israel Network organizations, including T’ruah, New Jewish Narrative, Partners for Progressive Israel, New Israel Fund, J Street, and Reconstructing Judaism. All perspectives on Israel-Palestine, as well as all curious people, are welcomed and encouraged. Our guests will give presentations and take questions. You can register for all sessions, below, but it's okay if you can't attend all three sessions. (Reconstructing Judaism, the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement, of which Havurah Shalom is a part, is a member of the Progressive Israel Network.) -
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025(IP) Private Rental
Sunday, May 4th 1:00p to 4:00p
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Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025(IP) Writing for Peace and Reconciliation, Within and Between Us
Sunday, May 4th 6:30p to 8:30p
Commemorate the last day of Pesach and Yitzkor in community Passover not only invites us to retell our ancient story but to look at our current reality and ask: what is our mitzrayim today? The obstacle in our personal and communal life? Where can we break through in an act of courage and compassion? April 20th & May 4th, 6:30 PM at Havurah, join Harriet Cooke for a writing/drawing group to explore this theme along with Yitzkor, the Sephirot and Counting the Omer. (It is recommended to attend either just the first session or both sessions.) -
Monday ,
MayMay 5 , 2025(IP) Jewish Ethical Responses to the Problem of Racism
Monday, May 5th 6:30p to 7:45p
We will address topics such as countering white nationalism and antisemitism, Jewish perspectives on reparations, repairing Jewish pioneer memory, and responding to racial microaggressions. Facilitated by Karen Sherman and Adela Basayne. -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 6 , 2025(IP) KS Rehearsal
Tuesday, May 6th 7:00p to 9:00p
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