Join us to discuss these fabulous new books! Copies of the books are available in the Maxwell Abbell Library and from public libraries, as well as from local and online booksellers. For more information, email Rachel Kamin, Director of Lifelong Learning, or call her at 847/926-7902.
Participants are encouraged to make a minimum donation of $54 to the Torah Fund Campaign. If you donate $180 or more you will receive the beautiful 5786 “Oseh Shalom” (Maker of Peace) Torah Fund pin. Click here for more information on how to make your Torah Fund donation online, by mail, or by phone.
Torah Fund Book Club Calendar 2025-2026:
Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 12:30 pm
Long before Oliver Twist, Jacob Fagin carves out a life in 19th-century London’s underworld, forming a found family of thieves, including Bill Sikes and the Artful Dodger, until a botched heist forces him to confront his morals. Meet the author in person at Beth El on Tuesday evening, October 28!
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 12:30 pm
Across centuries two women – one a modern playwright and the other her Elizabethan ancestor – each fight societal expectations to have their voices heard on the stage in a world that silences female playwrights.
My Childhood in Pieces by Edward Hirsch
Saturday, February 7, 12:30 pm
A darkly comic and sharp-edged portrait of a poet’s coming-of-age in a tough, witty, middle-class Jewish family, told through punchy microchapters that capture the humor, struggles and lessons shaping his journey from childhood to independence.
Don’t Feed the Lion by Bianna Golodryga & Yonit Levi
FAMILY BOOK CLUB: SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 12:00 pm
Follows three Chicago middle school students who confront bullying and bigotry after a swastika appears on a locker and a professional athlete posts an anti-Semitic message online. For 3rd-6th graders and adult readers of all ages.
Rules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay Shore
Saturday, March 14, 12:30 pm
While trying to save his family’s funeral home from financial ruin, Ezra, who can see ghosts, is haunted by his crush Jonathan’s gone-too-soon husband. The Association of Jewish Libraries 2025 Jewish Fiction Honor Award Winner.
Click on each title for a link to read-a-likes and suggested reading. All books are available in the Maxwell Abbell Library.
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