Jewish Community News

News: November 2007

South Bay to collectively read the same book

Imagine dropping your child off for Sunday school, picking up a coffee at the APJCC café or finding yourself on the treadmill—all next to people reading the same book as you! Hopefully this will be    the
case as the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, in conjunction with the Jewish Federation, local synagogues and Hillel, kicks off its new year-long program, “One Community One Book.” 
  Beginning in November, people throughout San Jose will start reading Milton Steinberg’s “As a Driven Leaf.”  Study groups will meet throughout the year at the different synagogues, the JCC and Hillel to discuss the book’s timeless questions.
    Modeled after a highly successful program by the Los Angeles Board of Rabbis, the “One Community One Book” program is an opportunity for members of the San Jose Jewish community to come together in study and conversation, and to reflect on the issues the book raises.  The JCC will host three community events in the winter and spring to address some of the major questions of  the book.  Rabbis from different synagogues in San Jose will be speaking on topics such as the struggle between faith and doubt, and modern threats to Jewish life. 
   January 31, “Tradition and Modernity” is the title and the speakers are Rabbis Dana Magat and Daniel Pressman.  March 27 is called “Faith and Doubt” and the speaker is Rabbi Joshua Berkenwald and guest (still working on guest), and May 15 is called “Jewish Renegades: Can We Welcome Them Home?” featuring Rabbi Melanie Aron and guest (also working on the guest here). Online discussion questions will be available through the APJCC website.
   “As a Driven Leaf” is the story of one man’s struggle to live in two worlds. The events take place 2,000 years ago, the story of a Jew torn between the call of tradition and the allure of the surrounding culture. Copies of “As a Driven Leaf” can be purchased at the APJCC as well as online and at local bookstores.  For information on joining a discussion group, contact your local synagogue group, or the APJCC at (408) 357-7413.