Sunday, April 27, 2008
10:00 - 11:00 am
Rabbi's Study

Join Rabbi Cohen for fascinating book discussions. Contact Phyllis to sign up and to find out about book availability at the temple.

The Ministry of Special Cases by Nathan Englander (April 27, 2008)

This long-awaited novel is a timeless tale of fathers and sons. From its unforgettable opening scene in a forgotten cemetery in Buenos Aires, The Ministry of Special Cases casts a powerful spell. In the heart of Argentina's Dirty War, Kaddish Poznan struggles with a son who won't accept him, strives for a wife who forever saves him and spends his nights protecting the good name of a community that denies his existence. When the nightmare of children who have disappeared brings the Poznan family to its knees, they are thrust into the Ministry of Special Cases as the refuge of last resort.

In a world turned upside down, one man fights to overcome his history and his name to make things right. Englander's wit, cosmic sense of the absurd and genius for balancing joyfulness and despair shine through. The Ministry of Special Cases is a celebration of our humanity - its weaknesses and hope.

To view or download the flyer, click here, then hit the "Bookmark" tab on the left side and click on "Rabbi's Reading Table." 

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Past Programs

Rashi's Daughters - Book 1 (Joheved) by Maggie Anton (Presented October 14, 2007)

This work of historical fiction chronicles the lives and loves of Rashi's family in 11th century France, focusing on Rashi's three daughters - Joheved, Miriam and Rachel.

Despite Rashi's fame as a great Jewish scholar and the many studies of his works in the generations succeeding him, little is know about his personal life. Set in the town of Troyes, Frances, this novel explores what his life might have been like over nine centuries ago.

The first volume in the trilogy focuses on Joheved. The eldest of Rashi's daughters, her mind and spirit are awakened by learning as her father teaches her and her sisters the intricacies of Mishna and Gemara. But she is forced to keep her passion for learning and prayer hidden even from her betrothed.

Maggie Anton weaves her knowledge of history and Talmud with her rich imagination to create a captivating story of life, love and learning in an era when educating women in Jewish scholarship was unheard of. Learn more about Maggie Anton and Rashi's Daughters.

The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon (Presented February 10, 2008)

The starting premise of this novels rests on a single fact: On the eve of World War II, President Roosevelt proposes resettling European Jewish refugees in the Alaskan territory. For 60 years, the refugees and their descendants have prospered in this safe haven created in the wake of the Holocaust - a gritty, vibrant frontier that moves to the music of Yiddish. But that is about to end as the District is set to revert to Alaskan control.

Amidst this backdrop, homicide detective Meyer Landsman investigates the murder of his neighbor, a former chess prodigy. When the case is about to be dropped, Landsman finds himself struggling with the powerful forces of faith, hopefulness, evil and salvation. A gripping whodunit, love story and exploration of the mysteries of exile and redemption, The Yiddish Policement's Union is a tribute to the story-writing skills of this Pulitzer Prize winning novelist.