metro
Good Book from page 8
"Independence is very
important to me. I love spending
time with my children instea
of needing their help.
Marcia Baum, a retired health care
administrator from Detroit, compliments
Robins for "her command of language, lit-
erature and history. She doesrit control the
conversation. She'll make a statement and
then someone will light up"
Tara Hayes, Ph.D., leads a number of
book groups in the Jewish community
after getting her start with Siman's group
about four years ago. Like most facilitators,
Hayes suggests books for discussion, which
group members typically vote on once
or twice a year. Librarians at the Jewish
Community Center and local congrega-
tions frequently recommend books and
choose facilitators for the groups they host.
Book ideas come from the JCC Jewish
Book Fair, the Indie Booksellers list, read-
ers' recommendations and online lists.
Temple Israel recently began a nonfic-
tion book group facilitated by member
Jacqueline Fox of Farmington Hills, an
attorney with a library science degree. She
said the group has attracted "all ages and
men and women equally who read books
with Jewish content or by a Jewish author
or both"
A recent meeting was led by Alicia
Oltuski, author of Precious Objects: A Story
of Diamonds, Family and a Way of Life,
who was in town for another talk and
learned of the Temple Israel book group
through a published announcement.
Marilyn Gans Schelberg, Ph.D., leads
book discussions at the JCC, Temple Beth
El in Bloomfield Township and for other
Jewish groups. A retired neuropsycholo-
gist, Schelberg tries to create a "sense of
camaraderie and a sacred space where
people are comfortable with each other. I
help with the group dynamics, encourag-
ing the timid and making sure no one
monopolizes the discussion.
"I bring in Jewish values and sometimes
Torah insights," she said. "Most people
want to learn a little bit and have fun"
❑
Jewish Book Groups
Synagogue/temple membership may be required, and a fee may be charged for some.
• Congregation Adat Shalom's Rabbi Rachel Shere (rshere@adatshalom.org ) recently
organized a "global justice book club" based on a concept developed with Ruth
Messinger, president and executive director of the American Jewish World Service. Dr.
Tara Hayes facilitates.
• The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue has a monthly
book group coordinated by Sydney Skully. Visit www.
Downtownsynagogue.org.
• Jewish Community Center: The West Bloomfield campus
library has a facilitated, free book group open to the commu-
nity that meets at lunchtime on Wednesdays. Books include
fiction and nonfiction with a Jewish connection. Visit www.
jccdet.org.
• Temple Beth El (www.tbeonline.org ) has morning an
evening book groups with a facilitator.
• Temple Israel has three book clubs with facilitators.
Discussions are held during the morning and evening three
days a week Several kids' book clubs meet on Sundays.
—Fox Run resident Beverly Schwartz
Discover an active and worry-free lifestyle at Fox Run,
the most popular address for vibrant retirement living in Novi.
Maintenance, repairs and 24-hour security are all handled by
our expert staff, giving you more opportunity to focus on the
things you love to do. A move to Fox Run is a smart decision
for you and your family, so take the next step today!
Public/Community Book Groups
• The Bloomfield Township Public Library hosts five
onthly book groups: a great books discussion group, a
nonfiction group for men, a mystery group and two fiction
groups. Visit www.btpl.org .
• Book Beat, an Oak Park bookstore, has a monthly group
that meets at the Goldfish Teahouse in Royal Oak. Books
chosen for discussion are announced a month ahead and are
sold at a 15 percent discount. Visit www.thebookbeat.com .
• Meetup, the national Internet activities group connector,
has several book groups that meet in Oakland County. Visit
www.bookclub.meetup.com .
Learn more about our vibrant
community. Call 1-800-989-0318
today for your free brochure.
Book Group Resources
Most local public libraries offer multiple copies of popular
books specifically for book groups, sometimes including
discussion materials. In addition, some libraries provide
rooms for book group meetings. Library websites provide
that information.
For ideas of books to discuss, visit www.goodreads.com;
www.Jewishbookcounclorg; www.litlovers.com; and www.
oprah.com/book_club.html.
Fox Run
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10 March 20 • 2014