Category Archives: Holocaust

Jodi Picoult’s The Storyteller

The Storyteller is a deeply personal novel whose story revolves around a grieving woman and her gradual realization of the depth of her family’s past. The main character, Sage, is a professional baker and introvert who has encountered increasing difficulty forging relationships, both romantic and friendly. She finally starts to open up to an elderlyContinue reading “Jodi Picoult’s The Storyteller”

Summer @ the library

We had great feedback from some of the attendees of the Book Thief screening and discussion with Rabbi David Senter that took place on July 17th. Some members of the group had either read the book or seen the movie previously, so the discussion included valuable input from many perspectives. The consensus seemed to be that evenContinue reading “Summer @ the library”

Digital Public Library is Live!

A wondrous thing happened this past week in the Digital Public Library of America going live. This portal provides the public with free, open access to endless cultural and historical materials that have been digitized at countless institutions. A valuable support to all modern and traditional libraries, the DPLA brings “different viewpoints, experiences, and collectionsContinue reading “Digital Public Library is Live!”

Hedy Lamarr’s on the Line!

Hedy Lamarr fled Nazi-occupied Austria and invented cell phone technology in the 1940s?? Sort of, yes! As with many amazing things I discover, I heard this story on PRX Remix and couldn’t stop thinking about it all night. The story in short: Thought to be the most beautiful woman in the world, acclaimed Hollywood actressContinue reading “Hedy Lamarr’s on the Line!”

Remembering Artist Elliot Offner

I was delighted this week to learn about the life and work of Elliot Offner, a Jewish American sculptor who taught at Smith College while I attended there. Although I never had the pleasure of knowing him personally, I befriended the great blue heron he created– for the 18-year-old me there was no more peacefulContinue reading “Remembering Artist Elliot Offner”