Rose Ruth Freudberg Memorial Sisterhood Library
We invite you to come visit!
Enjoy our Jewish-themed fiction and non-fiction, try out Israeli authors, browse Jewish magazines and newspapers, study sacred texts, or even play games and do puzzles, surrounded by the warmth of books. Members are welcome to borrow from our rich and growing collection of books, films, and musical recordings, encompassing more than 18,000 items.
The Library
Upcoming Programs
Meet Astronomer-Author Avi Loeb
Sunday, June 13, 11 am | Register here
Click here for Robin's review of "Extraterrestrial"
Are we alone in the universe? Dr. Avi Loeb, a longtime Chair of Harvard’s Astronomy Department, is the author of one of the most talked about books of 2021, "Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth." Dr. Loeb will take us on a mind-bending journey from Israel to the far reaches of space to show the latest evidence for extraterrestrial intelligent life. Following his talk, Professor Loeb looks forward to a lively Q&A with participants.
Book Chat: The Lost Shtetl by Max Gross
Sunday, July 25, 11 am | Register here
Click here for Robin's review of "The Lost Shtetl"
Join us to discuss "The Lost Shtetl" by Max Gross, a fun work of speculative fiction that won a 2020 National Jewish Book Award. Surrounded by a deep Polish forest, the Yiddish-speaking village of Kreskol has had no contact with the modern world for generations. Following a crazy series of events, Kreskol is rediscovered.
Meet Author-Psychologist Sherry Turkle
Sunday, October 3, 4:30 pm | Register here
MIT Professor Sherry Turkle will introduce her latest book, The Empathy Diaries, a vivid and poignant memoir of growing up in Jewish Brooklyn and her awakening interest in topics that led to her path-breaking work. Turkle is a pioneer in the study of people’s relationships with technology and the impact of technology on human behavior. A frequent media commentator on computer culture and ethics, Dr. Turkle’s previous books include the New York Times bestseller, Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age.
The Library
Archives
Meet Author Geraldine Brooks
Click here to request the video recording of program, excluding Q&A
Click here for Robin's review of Geraldine Brooks' novels
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks discussed her experiences as a Middle East foreign correspondent and novelist. Her beloved historical novels have gained new relevance in 2021 - they deal with plague (Year of Wonders); racism (March and Caleb's Crossing): Jews in diverse communities (People of the Book); and charismatic leaders (The Secret Chord).
Meet Author David Biespiel
Click here for video recording of program, excluding Q&A
Click here for Robin's review of "A Place of Exodus"
Are we ever done leaving home? Acclaimed poet and essayist David Biespiel discussed his memoir, "A Place of Exodus: Home, Memory, and Texas," telling the story of his Jewish boyhood in Texas, and musing on the meaning of home, family, and identity.
Book Chat: The Tunnel by A.B. Yehoshua
With special guest Stuart Schoffman
Click here for video recording of program, excluding Q&A
Click here for Robin's review of "The Tunnel"
Following a group discussion of this comic and thought-provoking novel by one of Israel’s foremost authors, Stuart Schoffman, creator of the English translation of "The Tunnel," joined the group to share his unique perspective.
Meet Author Jonathan Kaufman
Click here for video recording of program, excluding Q&A
Click here for Robin's review of "Last Kings"
Jonathan Kaufman, former China Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal, discussed his acclaimed non-fiction book, "The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish Dynasties that Helped Create Modern China."
Meet the Author
Goldie Goldbloom on Ordinary Hasidic Jews
Click here for video recording of program, excluding Q&A
Click here for Robin's review of "On Division"
Goldie Goldbloom talked about her prize-winning novel, "On Division," and the joys and frustrations of Hasidic life from the perspective of an insider.
Meet the Author
Rachel Kadish & Her Novel: "The Weight of Ink"
Click here for video recording of program, excluding Q&A
Click here for Robin's review of "The Weight of Ink"
Rachel Kadish discussed her award-winning novel, "The Weight of Ink", set partly in 1600's Jewish London and partly in modern London.
Meet Author Boris Fishman
Click here for video recording of program, excluding Q&A
Click here for Robin's review of "Savage Feast"
Acclaimed author Boris Fishman shared the stories behind his latest book about the Soviet Jewish émigré experience, "Savage Feast: Three Generations, Two Continents, and a Dinner Table (A Memoir with Recipes)."
The Library
Book Club
Join our popular monthly book club, which includes meet-the-author and other literary events. Meet interesting, new people and encounter a broad range of books and ideas. No obligation to attend every meeting – come when you can. For information contact Robin Jacobson.
Toddler Sing N' Play, Thursdays @ 10am
Treat your baby or toddler to our Sing N’ Play library program, offered free of charge on Thursday mornings at 10 am during the school year.
Search Our Online Catalog
Please be advised that the online catalog lists all items owned by the Library, but does not reflect whether those items are currently available or on loan. To check an item’s availability and to request a hold, click here.
The Library
Thank You
Our deep gratitude to the many community members who build and support the library through donations. And a special thank you to those who fund our special collections:
- Barbara Abrams Cohen Collection for children’s holocaust-related books
- Glenn S. Easton Jewish Genealogy Collection
- Salzberg Family Music Library
- Sisterhood Jewish Heritage Video Collection in memory of Anita Schwartz (z”l)
- Ruth and Emanuel Weinstein (z”l) Collection encompassing Jewish literature, early Jewish settlement in the United States, strong Jewish role models of the past and present, and contemporary events related to the Jewish Community.
- Sybil Wolin Passover Collection
We also appreciate support from the following funds:
- Henry L. & Claire P. Kronstadt Library Endowment Fund
- R. Robert Linowes Memorial Bookshelf Fund
- Rabbi Solomon H. Metz Library Fund.
- Charles Jay Pilzer Computer Center Project.
The Library
Contact
Robin Jacobson,
(librarian@adasisrael.org)
Library & Literary Programs Director
Adas Israel Congregation
2850 Quebec Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-362-4433 X116
