• Gift Baskets
• Sweet "frays
• Muffins
• Soups
• Cookies

ell i s

Everything Made Fresh Daily

ring and context. That both women are
Jewish is clear from the beginning;
Kathleen converted when she married
her husband, That the two main charac-
ters meet in synagogue is significant
even though neither is a regular
attendee, Diamant explains.
The author believes that readers of all
faiths will relate ro the importance of
having a religious community, where
they have potential to make genuine
connections with others. The young,
determined female rabbi, who awakens
the congregation with her teaching, is
an appealing minor character.
"The fact that Kathleen is a convert is
important to me personally," the author
says, pointing
pointing to the "presence of Jews .
players in our commu-
by choice as
nity."
Although Kathleen's knowledge of
Judaism is admittedly limited, one of
her sons grows increasingly involved in
Jewish life. "I think the story of converts
will be an important part of the history
of Judaism in this century," says
Diamant, who is the author of Choosing

a Jewish Life: A Handbook for People
Converting to Judaism for Their Families
and Friends.
Diamant, 50, is the author of several
other books about Judaism, including
works on parenting, mourning, plan-
ning a wedding and naming babies.
Born in Brooklyn, she grew up in
Newark and Denver, Colo.
Though she grew up largely nonob-
servant, her interest in Judaism sparked
after she began taking conversion classes
with her non-Jewish, husband-to-be.
In 1975, she moved to the Boston
area and fell in love with the ocean; she
finds walking along the beach with
friends "enormously sustaining and
renewing." She has long been involved
in Congregation Beth El in Sudbury,
where her teenage daughter is president
of the youth group.
The proceeds from Tent enabled her
to buy a vacation home near her
favorite Gloucester-area beach on Cape
Ann not unlike the fictional Joyce.
Oceanfront walks and talks with friends
inspired the story that would become
Good Harbor.
Diamant is now working on a collec-
tion of essays and a new novel, a histori-
cal work set in 19th-century America.
Does the new work have Jewish charac-
ters? "Not yet," she says.
But it will definitely revisit one of her
favorite themes: female bonding.
"Friendship is such a powerful force
in women's lives," she said. "I want to
celebrate that."
— Naomi Pfefferman contributed
to this article.

Cordially invites you
to celebrate with us

We have been serving the Finest Italian Cuisine
in Michigan for 62 years

Call To Make Your Holiday Party
Reservations Now

Or For That Special Occasion

Try our Challith Bread!

'1.00 Off Any
Bread Order

1 coupon per order
Expires 12/31/01

24-hour notice please on
specialty items
(some exceptions)
6S79 Orehard Like Rd.
in the Bo irdwalk Plaza

248-626-9110

SAPPORO

Japanese Rettaur ant

HAPPY HOUR

• Bar Mitzvah
• Anniversary
• Rehearsal
Dinner

• Sweet 16
• Retirement
• Shower

• Birthday
• Etc.

(248) 373-4440

885 Opclyke Road (Across from the Silverdome)

Serving memorable Italian lunches and dinners since 1939

Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. • Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.
Saturday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. • Sunday 12 noon to 9. p.m.

Now Open Saturdays

For Theatre & Opera Goers
. _or just because

Want to impress a client? Take them
to the Caucus Club for lunch!

MON. - SAT. 2:30 - 5:00 P.M.

30%
OFF
TOTAL BILL

DURING HAPPY HOUR

Enjoy
THE FINEST FRESH SUSHI
AND AUTHENTIC
JAPANESE SPECIALTIES

LUNCH SPECIAL

$7.95

6635 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48322

(at Old Orchard Mall, Farmer Jack Center)

(248) 626-8111

SERVING SPECIALITIES

_tbnotott‘

i&-uteedS/1/(ch

Oooet, (Jo' le k 1A(19/ Mach gli4es'

HOURS

DINNER
TUES-SAT
•
LUNCH
MON-FRI

AVAILABLE WEEKENDS
FOR PRIVATE PARTIES

* the * *
* Caucus
* Club

THE CAUCUS CLUB
150 West Congress
Detroit
Reservations
Recommended
313-965-4970

Since 1952

pool Banquets
& Catering
t-

The Tradition Continues...

Holiday Affairs, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, Business Meetings

can now be catered off premises or in our
beautifully decorated dining rooms!

18 West Pike Street • Downtown Pontiac • jfitzpa442@aol.com

call Brian McNamara

at 248.334.7878

12/14
2001

89

