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Library The library resources of Congregation Beth El include thousands of books and hundreds of audio and VHS videotapes, as well as a periodicals collection and the Phyllis Natkow Teachers' Resource Collection.
and THURSDAY 9:30 – 12:30 …if these hours are not convenient, please call us (675-1166, ext. 305) to make other arrangements. The Library Director is Amy Kaplan, who holds a master's degree in Library and Information Science. Pat Cwanger is the Library Assistant. Beth El's award-winning library offers a large circulating collection of Judaic fiction (including the latest bestsellers) and nonfiction on such topics as Jewish history, cooking, customs and holidays, spirituality, and much more. You may borrow these items to enjoy at home; there is no fee for borrowing. The children's collection includes a large selection of fiction and nonfiction for all ages, from toddlers to teens. The Early Childhood classes enjoy their weekly visit to the library for story time and to browse age-appropriate books. Where do you go for answers to such questions as:
…the answers to these and other questions are right here in the Library. Come visit -- or call us -- and we will provide answers to your questions. We use our own resources, the services offered through Library networks, and our advanced Internet searching skills to provide quick responses to your inquiries. The Library belongs to the Association of Jewish Libraries and the New Jersey Library Network, Region 6. Library resources and services are financed in part through contributions to the Synagogue Library Fund. Donations of $25 and above entitle the donor to an inscribed bookplate in a library book. Your support is appreciated. Move over Oprah...Do you love to read? And do you enjoy sharing your responses to what you read? If the idea of a "book club" appeals to you, consider attending our Library's Short Story Discussion Group. There are some fantastic short stories being written by today's young Jewish authors; there are also many fine classic stories by beloved Jewish writers of an earlier era. We read a variety of stories (one per month) and gather to discuss them. This group meets once each month, usually on the fourth Thursday of the month, 1:30 - 3:00 PM. For more information about this enjoyable Discussion Group, call the Library. We'd love to have you join us. The celebration began a while ago, but this month brings the official date of Israel’s 60th birthday. We marvel at the story of Israel’s creation and survival, and we realize just how much this tiny country has accomplished in so short a time. In addition to all of Israel’s other accomplishments, it is home to many internationally acclaimed authors. While Israel’s birthday is in the news, this is a great time to shine the spotlight on current Israeli literature (in English translation): Meir Shalev is a bestselling author in Israel. His work has been translated into over 20 languages. Sometimes compared with Gabriel Garcia Marquez for his use of dreams and startling imagery, Shalev has won numerous literary awards. His latest novel, A Pigeon and a Boy, is the story of an Israeli tour guide who searches for love now, and for a lost love, his childhood sweetheart. Intertwined with this story is a second story, about a gifted young man who dies in the 1948 War of Independence. This ill-fated young man is an expert in pigeon-handling, at a time when homing pigeons were used to deliver messages on the battlefield. Shalev skillfully explores themes of home, love, and memory in this fine novel. Israel lost a great talent with the passing of Batya Gur three years ago. This outspoken critic of the Israeli government and its policies wove her political views into her novels. Her Michael Ohayon mysteries remain popular in Israel, the US, and throughout Europe. Ohayon, her fictional Jerusalem police superintendent, stars again in her sixth and presumably last book, Murder in Jerusalem. Here Gur tells the story of a death on the set of an Israeli news program – was it accidental, or is something more sinister afoot? On one level, this is a typical whodunit, but Gur really used her plots as springboards to examine deeper psychological issues and moral dilemmas. Some have said that Gur’s novels were based on fact, and readers enjoy trying to match some of the characters with real people. Snapshots, by Michal Govrin, is a prize-winning novel by one of Israel’s most celebrated writers. This is the story of a brilliant architect, Ilana, who dies tragically at the beginning of the story. The notes, photos and drawings she leaves behind reveal aspects of her life previously unknown to her husband. This novel is as much the story of Israel as it is the story of one woman, cleverly punctuated with photos and drawings that give it an air of truth and authenticity. These Israeli novels may be found on the Library’s “New Fiction” shelves. Be sure to visit the Library to borrow these, and other, fine novels. ***** The Library’s Short Story Discussion Group will meet on Thursday, May 22, 1:30 – 3:00 PM in the Library. We will discuss “Half a Day in Halifax” by Scott Nadelson. Refreshments will be served. This will be the last session until October – so be sure to join us for a lively conversation! For more information, please call the library (ext. 305). ***** Coming in next month’s column: Your annual guide to great summer reading!
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| Congregation Beth El Telephone: (856) 675 - 1166 Fax: (856) 489 - 3280 MAIL - Use Voorhees Address |
Katz Educational Center at the Appel Campus 8000 Main Street Voorhees, NJ 08043 |
Synagogue 2901 West Chapel Avenue Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Move to Voorhees, NJ-- Projected January 2009 |
| ©2005 Congregation Beth El | e-mail: info@bethelsnj.org |