The timing couldn’t have been better: in a celebration of Jewish Culture Month, and the forthcoming 85th anniversary of Pinner Synagogue, book-loving Shul members gathered together to discuss the merits of 85 of their favourite Jewish books.
This was the bibliophiles’ inaugural meeting, “and we are sure it will be the first of many, as we all had such a good time!” said Doreen Samuels, whose brainchild it was to collect the 85 book titles to coincide with the anniversary.
The evening began with a quiz, challenging members to name the authors of ten famous Jewish books, followed by entertaining readings from some of the very wide range of titles chosen, such as “The Joys of Yiddish” by Leo Roston, and “East West Street” by Phillipe Sands, not forgetting favourite recipes from Evelyn Rose’s “International Jewish Cookbook”, and “Noshtalgia” by Pam Fox, recalling the heyday of Blooms Restaurant. Each of the many titles mentioned brought forth cries of recognition from the audience, along with shared memories and stories.
After refreshments, there was also an opportunity to buy books from the ‘Bookshuk’ stall, an initiative created by Pinner Synagogue member Merrill Dresner. “Sharing our 85 favourite Jewish books was easy,” said Merrill, “and this whole evening was fun, illuminating, enlightening and definitely worth repeating!”
