Jewish History Through Historical Fiction
Past SessionsThursday, May 2, 2024 • 24 Nisan 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, April 4, 2024 • 25 Adar II 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, March 21, 2024 • 11 Adar II 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, January 18, 2024 • 8 Sh'vat 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, December 7, 2023 • 24 Kislev 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • 3 Kislev 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 18 Cheshvan 5784 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Rabbi Rozenberg Library
Jewish History Through Fiction
This class will use selected works of Jewish historical fiction to look at the key ideas, cultural currents, challenges, debates and opportunities Jews faced in history. Participants do not have to read the novels suggested, although they will provide background into what we will discuss each session. One of the goals is for students to consider how some of the concerns we face as Jews today arose in the past, helping define one’s own sense about what is important in terms of a personal Jewish identity and why.
Class Schedule:
Thursdays | 9:30 – 11:00 AM
Nov 2 & 16 • Dec 7 • Jan 18 • Mar 21 • Apr 4 • May 2
To RSVP or with questions, contact Rabbi Sank Ross (rabbijsr@commsyn.org).
Date |
Historical Period | Book(s) |
Nov 2 |
Biblical Period | The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks The Red Tent by Anita Diament The King David Report by Stefan Heym |
Nov 16 |
Hellenistic / Roman Era | The Dove Keepers by Alice Hoffman |
Dec 7 |
Talmudic Age | As a Driven Leaf by Milton Steinberg |
| Jan 18 | World of the Goenim & Medieval Period |
A Guide for the Perplexed by Dara Horn Rashi's Daughters by Maggie Anton |
| Mar 21 | Medieval World through The Inquisition |
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks The Last Jew by Noah Gordon The Last Kabbalist by Richard Zimler |
| Apr 4 | Enlightenment & Emancipation to Holocaust | The Coffee Trader by David Liss The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish |
| May 2 | Modernity: Jewish Identity in Israel & Diaspora | The Rise of David Levinsky by Abraham Cahan The Brothers Ashkenazi by I.J. Singer The Red Balcony by Jonathan Wilson The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker |
If you plan on purchasing any books listed above and wish to support a local, independent bookstore, we are grateful that Theodore’s Books (Oyster Bay) is offering a 15% discount on all books.
Please indicate that you are in “The Jewish Journey book club” at The Community Synagogue.
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Wed, December 3 2025
13 Kislev 5786
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Thursday ,
DecDecember 4 , 2025ECC Parent Teacher Conferences (No Students)
Thursday, Dec 4th (All day)
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Thursday ,
DecDecember 4 , 2025Time for Dinner (with a 10:00am/10:30am) set up
Thursday, Dec 4th 11:00a to 1:00p
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Thursday ,
DecDecember 4 , 2025Thursday Religious School Classes, Grades 2-3
Thursday, Dec 4th 4:00p to 5:30p
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Friday ,
DecDecember 5 , 2025ECC Shabbat
Friday, Dec 5th 9:00a to 10:30a
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Friday ,
DecDecember 5 , 2025Parenting Inclusively with Author & Child Development Expert, Tovah Klein
Friday, Dec 5th 11:30a to 1:00p
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Saturday ,
DecDecember 6 , 2025Shabbt Morning Service: B'nai Mitzvah of Max Lieberman & Emma Lieberman
Shabbat, Dec 6th 10:30a to 12:00p
| For Complete Community Calendar Click Here |
Worship Schedule
Shabbat "Vayishlach" ~ "שבת "וישלח
Friday, December 5
6:30 pm – Erev Shabbat, worship in person or watch on our Website
Saturday, December 6
9:00 am – Shabbat Havurah Morning & Torah Study, worship and study in person or register here to join via Zoom.
10:30 am – Shabbat Morning, Bnai Mitzvah of Max and Emma Lieberman, worship in person in the Main Sanctuary or or watch on our Website.

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