If you enjoy reading Jewish literature, there are some great Jewish book clubs you can get involved with. We’ve featured 10 of them below.
1. JWA Book Club
This book club was organized by the Jewish Women’s Archive (JWA) for women who want to explore books written about or by women of the Jewish faith or about subjects that pertain to them. The group meets entirely online per the schedule on their events page.
Members are invited to read current book selections and take part in online book discussions by the group, critics, faith leaders, and authors of the books chosen. In addition to current books, previous discussions are recorded for later viewing for those unable to attend the live event.
Contact the book club.
2. Jewish Book Club
There is no requirement to be a member of the Jewish faith to join the Jewish Book Club. The only requirement is that the books selected for discussion have a Jewish topic. Their public Goodreads group is open to anyone who wishes to join and is respectful of all participants.
Books selected for discussion include a variety of fiction and non-fiction. Discussions are held completely online. There is no set day and time for monthly discussions. Details are sent out to members through the site’s messaging system about the next month’s reading material.
Join this book club.
3. Great Jewish Books Club
The Yiddish Book Center sponsors this book club. It focuses on Yiddish books that have been translated and contemporary, influential Jewish writings. The book club selects six books each year for bi-monthly discussions that can be purchased or borrowed from members’ preferred sources.
Members can sign up for a newsletter that will provide them with additional resources that help navigate the reading material and foster a deeper understanding. The newsletter will also direct participants to the dates, times, and links to online discussion forums for each book being read.
Sign up for notifications.
4. The Sunday Jewish Book Club
The William H. Hannon Library in Los Angeles, California, established The Sunday Jewish Book Club back in Fall 2008. This book club concentrates on Jewish literature that examines the rich history and culture of the faith. Meetings are held monthly from Fall until Spring.
Book discussions are held in person on Sunday afternoons between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the library and via Zoom. They are free and open to members of the public who have registered for an event on their website. Books can be borrowed from the library or purchased elsewhere.
RSVP for an event.
5. Matzah Book Soup
Matzah Book Soup was created by two Jewish women interested in reading and sharing books representing the Jewish faith with others. The book club meets online every first Sunday of the month at 7 p.m. to discuss the book with the author, when available, and the group.
Participants can join in the discussion on bookclubs.com or join the private Facebook group to keep up with upcoming discussions and explore additional resources or viewpoints provided outside the regular book club meetings. More details are provided to members privately.
Become a part of the group.
6. 92NY Jewish Literature Book Club
New York City teacher Lindsey Benjamin directs this book club. Meetings are held online monthly for nine months of the year. Book selections include novels, biographies, and other writings that connect to Judaism and focus on empowerment, spirituality, and identity.
A list of books, along with the dates and times of upcoming meetings are posted on their website. There is a fee to register, with the cost going toward supporting the cultural center and its outreach programs. There is no formal membership, just choose an event to get involved.
Register for a discussion.
7. TBA Book Group
The B’nai Abraham (TBA) Book Group is conducted by Rabbi David. Z. Veisberg of the Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston, New Jersey. Meetings are held on Zoom on Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Dates and links are included in the temple’s newsletter.
Books read are by Jewish authors, for Jewish persons, or about Judaism. The monthly selection can be purchased through affiliate links on the book club’s webpage or obtained from another source by those wishing to join the discussion, regardless of religious affiliation.
Get involved in the chat.
8. JCCSF Afternoon Book Club
The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) Book Club meets at the center on the second Wednesday of the month from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The books selected by this group are from a wide genre of fiction and non-fiction books that adhere to the tenants of Judaism.
Members are invited to participate as much or as little as they wish. Book selections for each month are chosen by members. Meetings are conducted by staff members at the Lifelong Learning Center of JCCSF or by members who have a special interest in the book.
Email the organizer.
9. JCCSF Evening Book Club
The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) Evening Book Club meets online via Zoom once a month on the third Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Selections for this book club include a variety of faith-based non-fiction and fiction writings rooted in Judaism.
Book selections for each month are chosen by members or staff based on suggestions and popular vote. Meetings are conducted by staff members and recorded for those who may not be able to attend the live discussion or those who might want to review further later on.
Get the details for the next meeting.
10. Kol Rinah & B’nai Amoona Book Club
The Kol Rinah & B’nai Amoona Book Club meets virtually on Zoom once a month on the fourth Thursday at 10:00 am. to 11:30 am. Meetings are open to all who have an interest in books written by Jewish authors or books about the Jewish faith and culture.
This St. Louis, Missouri, book club has no membership fees or requirements to attend. If you are not able to read the book, you are still welcome to pop into the online meeting and follow along with the discussion or offer viewpoints on the subject matter as you see fit.
Request the Zoom link.