We are excited to welcome you to the virtual CAO BookGroup, an enriching initiative spearheaded by congregants Sherry Comerchero and Audrey Goldberg. This group will meet four times a year, with the goal of creating a space where we can deepen our understanding of Jewish culture and history, stimulate intellectual discussion around complex topics, and foster a sense of community through literature.
This is not only an opportunity to delve into thought-provoking literature, but also a way to strengthen the bonds within our congregation. By sharing and discussing these books, we aim to create meaningful conversations that resonate with our collective Jewish identity while embracing a diversity of thought.
The virtual CAO BookGroup will explore four Jewish-themed books annually, carefully chosen to offer a wide range of genres, perspectives, and voices—from local authors to international works, fiction, and non-fiction. As part of our commitment to inclusivity and engagement, participants will receive helpful resources before each meeting, such as discussion questions, podcasts, video clips, or fun facts about the author or book, providing a richer and more interactive experience.
The BookGroup will meet via Zoom on the designated date at 7:00 PM and concludes at 8:30 PM. We invite you to join us for an informal conversation 10 minutes before the start. The meeting will commence promptly at 7. The Zoom link will be included in the weekly newsletter the Friday before the BookGroup meet-up.
Here are a few housekeeping tips:
What happens when history takes an unexpected turn?
In this award-winning novel, Philip Roth imagines an alternate 1940s America where famed aviator Charles Lindbergh becomes president. Seen through the eyes of a Jewish family in Newark, the story explores identity, resilience, and what it means to feel at home in a changing country.
With its powerful themes and surprising relevance today, The Plot Against America promises to spark thoughtful conversation.
It is also available in movie form on Prime, Hulu, and HBO. Please join us on Thursday, June 5th at 7:00 PM for our Book Group discussion on Zoom.
The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others.
Please contact Sherry at [email protected] for more information and/or to receive the Zoom link before the meeting.
BOOK SELECTION: Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz
Oz masterfully weaves a deeply personal narrative with the broader story of a nation. You’ll journey through his childhood in a war-torn city, growing up in a modest apartment teeming with books in twelve languages and relatives speaking just as many. Witness his profound loss following his mother’s suicide, his decision to break free from familial and societal expectations to join a kibbutz, and his evolution into a writer and political voice for his country.
This is a story of love and loss, resilience and reinvention—one that will touch your heart and challenge your perspectives. Readers often describe Oz’s storytelling as evocative, memorable, and deeply moving, with vivid descriptions of characters and settings that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
The book can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Google Play Books, and others.
Our first-ever Book Club welcomed 13 participants to review, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew. Thank you to Sherry Comerchero, Audrey Goldberg, Arlyne Rosenberg, and Alice Friedenson for chairing the Book Club and moderating such an insightful discussion.
The book was published on April 30, 2024, and contains 320 pages, including an Antisemitic appendix, Ask Me Anything Jewish definitions, recommendations to read other books on this topic, and notes/bibliography arranged by chapter. It is available for purchase on Amazon, in bookstores, on Audible, etc.
Please send an email, directly to Sherry Comerchero, [email protected]; or Audrey Goldberg, [email protected].
