Library

Neuman Memorial Library and Book Club

Temple Emanuel welcomes its members to visit our library. To find the library, enter the sanctuary building and go to the left of the lobby. At the end of the hall passed the receptionist you will find a cozy room with a well stocked collection. Select from fiction or non-fiction, adult or juvenile and borrow using the honor system. Please sign the corresponding card in the catalog upon checking out and returning materials.

In keeping relevant and current, monetary donations to the library fund would be greatly appreciated. Donated books must be reviewed for content quality and condition before being added to the stacks. Subscriptions to Jewish journals and newsletters would be most appreciated as well.

Questions regarding the library should be addressed to Ms. Sarah Behr who has been overseeing its content and providing a nurturing touch toward its future success. Information regarding the Book Club should be addressed to Dr. Cat Eskin, Trustee and Professor of English.

Featured Selections from the Neuman Memorial Library:

Some Laughter, Some Tears by Shalom Aleichem 

Translated by Curt Leviant In this selection of short stories, the opening of “Elijah the Prophet” is an immediate draW.

“It’s no fun being an only child, fondled and fussed over, the sole surviving son of seven children. Don’t stand here. Don’t go there. Don’t eat this. Don’t drink that. Wear a hat. Button your collar. Keep your hands warm. Blow your nose.”

I’m sorry to have to admit it, but being a product of Jewish parenting myself, I had to laugh and read on and I hope you will too!

In another selection, “A Bit of Advice”, a man comes knocking on the door of a writer looking for sound counsel. He has the fortune or misfortune, however one sees it, to have married a spoiled and dramatic girl of means. He can barely tolerate his bride and wealthy in-laws and pours out his heart over this inescapable dilemma.

Old Men at Midnight by Chaim Potok

This well written novel comes to us from the celebrated author of The Chosen. Ilana Davita Dinn is the listener to whom three men relate their stories. In the first episode entitled “The Arc Builder” Ilana, a young girl, is the English tutor for a very religious boy that has recently been taken in by his aunt and uncle in America. He has lost his family and entire village to the German army. Noah slowly comes to confide in Ilana to free himself of horrors he witnessed including the destruction of a local synagogue.

Dr. Cat Eskin’s Book Club

The Temple Emanuel Book Club includes a group of dedicated readers who enjoy sharing their ideas and insights on Jewish Literature. We exclusively read Jewish authors, though we are not tied to a particular period. Book Club meets at Temple Emanuel on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. every other month. However, we are a bit less regular during the summer months. Some of our past selections have included: Philip Roth's Plot Against America, Allegra Goodman's Paradise Park, Karen Levin's Hana's Suitcase, Cynthia Ozick'a The Puttermesser Papers, Paula Marantz Cohen's Much Ado About Jessie Cohen, Ruchama King’s Seven Blessings, and the short stories of Isaac Bashevis Singer.

Additional Links

Source for Jewish history, U.S. and Israel relations, the Holocaust, anti-Semitism and Judaism. Not just a historical archive, also the place to find talking points on breaking news.

www.JewishVirtualLibrary.org 
 

Jewish Index Links Page

www.JewishLink.net  

The leading publisher of educational materials for Jewish religious schools, and creators of diverse books about Judaism and Jewish life.
www.Behrmanhouse.com

Jewish Heritage On-line Magazine.
www.jhom.com

The Jewish Press is the largest independent weekly Jewish newspaper in the United States.

www.JewishPress.com