Reading Series Guides
Book discussion groups offer a great way to focus attention on AmericanJewish history during the 350th anniversary. JWA's 350th book discussionseries offer established book discussion groups and those seekingsubstantive 350th programming a compelling framework for thinking about ourpast and present in North America. JWA's reading series guides provide allthe resources necessary to consider literary representations of AmericanJewish women in the context of historical and contemporary realities.
Each guide includes a general historical and literary introduction to theparticular themes raised by the four or five books within each series, alongwith an introduction and discussion questions for every book.
Seeking Community, Creating Community
Examine the roles Jewish women play in creating communities, as well as their exclusion from them, through works by contemporary Jewish women writers. Authors include Allegra Goodman, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Tova Mirvis, and Gina B. Nahai.Download this guide for free.
Spiritual Journeys
What does it mean to lead a Jewish life? Is there a place for me within Judaism? Pursue these questions through memoirs by Jewish women from diverse backgrounds, who recount their searches for meaning within the Jewish tradition. Authors include Merle Feld, Tirzah Firestone, Haviva Ner David, Lee Meyerhoff Hendler, and Lisa Schiffman.Download this guide for free.
Jewish Women and the Search for Self
Through the novels and memoirs included in this series, explore the challenges and delights faced by Jewish women as they embark on their own paths as mothers and daughters; writers, teachers, and activists; women, Jews, and Americans. Authors include Anzia Yezierska, Rebecca Goldstein, Kim Chernin, and Eva Hoffman.Download this guide for free.
The Girls' Book Club
This series invites girls (ages 9-12) and adult women to read together about the lives and adventures of American Jewish girls, from a Southern belle during the Civil War to a young ballet dancer of contemporary times. Authors include Carol Matas, Sydney Taylor, Faye Silton, and Ferida Wolff.Download this guide for free.
How to cite this page
Jewish Women's Archive. "Reading Series Guides." (Viewed on February 17, 2026) <https://jwa.org/350years/readingseries>.