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SJPL to Host Jewish Literature Reading and Discussion Series

July 30, 2007 -

San José Public Library will host a free five-part reading and discussion series called “Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature – Identity and Imagination,” at the West Valley Branch Library, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, just east of Saratoga Avenue. The library’s series will explore the theme of “Neighbors: the World Next Door.” San José Public Library is one of over 250 libraries nationwide receiving grants to host the series developed by Nextbook and the American Library Association (ALA).

The series explores Jewish literature and culture through scholar-led discussions of contemporary and classic books on a common theme. The first program will explore A Journey to the End of the Millennium by A.B. Yehoshua and will be held on Sunday, August 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to host this unique series that will allow patrons a chance to discuss themes in Jewish literature with fellow community members and with the help of a well-qualified scholar and guest lecturers,” said Ruth Kohan, program coordinator. “As mentioned by one of the participants at a related series held last year, it’s almost like attending a literature class, but with none of the stress of being graded!”

Additional books will be discussed once a month, as follows:

About the Facilitator and Guest Lecturers

David Mesher, Professor of English at San José State University will open each session with introductory information on the book and the author, and will lead the book discussion. Professor Mesher received his PhD in English from the University of Washington. He is a professor in the English Department at San José State University, where he teaches world and comparative literature, including Holocaust literature. He has published widely on Jewish writers.

Each session will include a lecture by Professor Mesher or a guest speaker. Guest speakers will include Professor Jonathan Roth, Chair of History at San José State University (Neighbors, The Destruction of the Jewish Community in Jedwabne, Poland); Professor Gabriella Safran, Department of Slavic Languages and Literature, Stanford University (Red Cavalry); and Professor Victoria Harrison, Jewish Studies Coordinator at San José State University (Mona in the Promised Land).

For more information, contact:
• Lorraine Oback, San José Public Library, at (408) 808-2176

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