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:
Dive Into the World of Amos Oz with Us!
Join us as we delve into the pages of A Tale of Love and Darkness, the international bestseller by the renowned Amos Oz, celebrated as “one of Israel’s most prolific writers and respected intellectuals.” This poignant and evocative memoir takes us into the heart of Jerusalem during the dissolution of Mandatory Palestine and the birth of the State of Israel—a time of hope, struggle, and transformation.
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.
Mark your calendars for a thought-provoking evening, on MARCH 6, 2025, and be sure to stick around for the announcement of our next book club meetings, scheduled for the first Thursday evenings in June and September.
We can’t wait to embark on this literary journey with you. Together, we’ll explore the trials, triumphs, and enduring spirit of Israeli life through the lens of Amos Oz’s unforgettable memoir.
We are very excited to share this book with you on our journey exploring a wide range of Jewish-themed books.
See you soon for a lively and enriching discussion!
Please send an email, directly to Sherry Comerchero, [email protected]; or Audrey Goldberg, [email protected].
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.
It is also available and can be reserved at your local library. (Worth noting: It is a popular book so check with your library in advance for a reservation.)
Overview of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew*
“From two New York Times bestselling authors, a timely, disarmingly honest, and thought-provoking investigation into antisemitism that connects the dots between the tropes and hatred of the past to our current complicated moment. For Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby, no question about Jews is off-limits. They go there.
They cover Jews and money. Jews and power. Jews and privilege. Jews and white privilege. The Black and Jewish struggle.
Emmanuel asks, “Did Jews kill Jesus?” To which Noa responds, “Why are Jewish people history’s favorite scapegoat?” They unpack Judaism itself: Is it a religion, culture, a peoplehood, or a race? And: Are you antisemitic if you’re anti-Zionist?
The questions – and answers – might make you squirm, but together, they explain the tropes, stereotypes, and catalysts of antisemitism in America today.”
*Source: Amazon
Please send an email, directly to Sherry Comerchero, [email protected]; or Audrey Goldberg, [email protected].
