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Sections:

Book Club

Natan Meir

Sarah and Rachel's Picks

Editions of the Tanakh




Previous Book Club Selections




Recommended by Natan Meir

Dr. Natan Meir of Judaic Studies at Portland State University recommends these books, all related to the exhibit “Of Place and Memory: The Yizkor Book as a Window into a World Destroyed” at the PSU Library. The exhibit tells the stories of Eastern European Jews and their communities destroyed in the Holocaust.




Sarah and Rachel's Picks

Rachel read this first, then lent it to Sarah for light reading on a plane. We both were enchanted by the heroine and her unlikely relationship with a family who own a restricted hotel. It's a story about growing up, food, and love, with unexpected twists and turns, often quite funny, from the point of view of a young Jewish woman from upstate New York. - Sarah and Rachel

I like this novel because it peels away layer after layer of the title character's life to reveal how complex any person really is, how unlikely and varied our experience tends to be. It also plays with a redemption theme, something I like in my fiction. - Rachel

Funny and smart, this book asks weird questions and answers them in classic Jewish fashion. You'll learn about Jewish tradition and practice from a wonderfully unique perspective. - Sarah

This book interweaves the story of an Orthodox rabbi's experience coming out with a history and examination of homosexuality and gender in Judaism. Challenging and moving in equal parts, it will leave you with much to think about.

Tanakhs

A Tanakh is a compilation of Hebrew scripture including the Torah (Five Books of Moses), Nevi'im (the Prophets), and K'Tuvim (The Writings, which includes Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Lamentations, Song of Songs, Ruth, etc.).


In addition to your textbook, Melton Classic students bring their own Tanakh to class and refer to it often. There are many editions of the Tanakh and no single one is required for use at Melton.


Here are some popular editions of the Tanakh from a number of Jewish publishers. You can also find editions at Judaica shops and any bookstore.




Recommend a Jewish Book
Your comments to be posted on the page with the book link. (May edited for length, grammar, acceptable use.)