Library

The library resources of Congregation Beth El include thousands of books and hundreds of audio and VHS videotapes, as well as a periodicals collection and the Phyllis Natkow Teachers' Resource Collection.

About our library....

The Library Director is Amy Kaplan, who holds a master's degree in Library and Information Science. Pat Cwanger is the Library Assistant.

Beth El's award-winning library offers a large circulating collection of Judaic fiction (including the latest bestsellers) and nonfiction on such topics as Jewish history, cooking, customs and holidays, spirituality, and much more. You may borrow these items to enjoy at home; there is no fee for borrowing.

The children's collection includes a large selection of fiction and nonfiction for all ages, from toddlers to teens. The Early Childhood classes enjoy their weekly visit to the library for story time and to browse age-appropriate books.

Where do you go for answers to such questions as:

What are the Jewish points of interest for visitors to the Caribbean Islands?

Where can I find a recipe for really good apple cake?

Where can I find a good quote or anecdote to use in a speech?

Which universities offer kosher meal plans?

…the answers to these and other questions are right here in the Library. Come visit -- or call us -- and we will provide answers to your questions. We use our own resources, the services offered through Library networks, and our advanced Internet searching skills to provide quick responses to your inquiries.

The Library belongs to the Association of Jewish Libraries and the New Jersey Library Network, Region 6.

Library resources and services are financed in part through contributions to the Synagogue Library Fund. Donations of $25 and above entitle the donor to an inscribed bookplate in a library book. Your support is appreciated.

Move over Oprah...Do you love to read? And do you enjoy sharing your responses to what you read? If the idea of a "book club" appeals to you, consider attending our Library's Short Story Discussion Group. There are some fantastic short stories being written by today's young Jewish authors; there are also many fine classic stories by beloved Jewish writers of an earlier era. We read a variety of stories (one per month) and gather to discuss them. This group meets once each month, usually on the fourth Thursday of the month, 1:30 - 3:00 PM. For more information about this enjoyable Discussion Group, call the Library. We'd love to have you join us.


Updates from the Beth El News--June/July 2010



Summer… Reading....Two words that go together beautifully… two of my favorite words -- and yours, too, I hope!

The approaching months bring vacations, long backyard afternoons, and other opportunities to relax with a great book. Wherever you’re headed this summer, be sure to keep books from your synagogue library with you.

Here is our annual “Guide to Great Summer Reading.” All of these titles may be borrowed from the Bell Library – your synagogue library. And remember, we continue to get new books throughout the summer months – the latest and best in Jewish fiction and nonfiction. Whatever your reading preference, we have something to entice you! (And for those rainy days, come in and take home some DVDs, too.)

POPULAR FICTION – PERFECT FOR THE BEACH:



Appel, A.: The Hebrew Tutor of Bel Air

Grodstein, L.: A Friend of the Family

Guterson, M.: Gone to the Dogs

Heller, Z.: The Believers

Kanon, J.: Stardust

Kirshenbaum, B.: The Scenic Route

Klein, Z.: Drawing in the Dust

Korelitz, J.: Admission

Koslow, S.: The Late, Lamented Molly Marx

Rakoff, J.: A Fortunate Age

Ratner, A.: The Jump Artist

Shapiro, S.: Speed Shrinking

Shumas, H.: Love and Other Natural Disasters

Spark, D.: Good for the Jews

Tropper, J.: This is Where I Leave You

Weiner, J.: Best Friends Forever



MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS – edge-of-your-seat suspense:



Berkowitz, I.: Old Flame

Cantrell, R.: A Trace of Smoke

Ephron, N.: Never Tell a Lie

Fink, J.: A Storm in the Blood

Kellerman, F.: Blindman’s Bluff

Kerr, P.: A Quiet Flame

Levin, D.: The Last Ember

Marks, L.: Artist’s Proof

Rabb, J.: Shadow and Light

Silva, D.: The Defector

Tallis, F.: Fatal Lies



LITERARY FICTION – memorable writing, great reading:



Burr, C.: You or Someone Like You

Grant, L.: The Clothes on Their Backs

Halberstam, J.: A Seat at the Table

Pasulka, B.: A Long Time Ago and Essentially True

Roth, P.: The Humbling

Wiesel, E.: A Mad Desire to Dance

HISTORICAL FICTION – learn a little history, enjoy a good read:



Anton, M.: Rashi’s Daughters, Book 3: Rachel

Cameron, M.: The Fruit of Her Hands

Carter, B.: The Puzzle King

Diamant, A.: Day After Night

Elliott, E.: Eve

Horn, D.: All Other Nights

Houghteling, S.: Pictures at an Exhibition

Kertes, J.: Gratitude

Lapid, S.: Valley of Strength



NONFICTION – to inform and inspire:



Bascomb, N.: Hunting Eichmann

Bernstein, H.: The Golden Willow

Boteach, S.: The Kosher Sutra

Brown, E.: Inspired Jewish Leadership

Cohen, R.: Israel is Real

Gerber, R.: Barbie and Ruth

O’Donnell, P.: They Dared Return

Prose, F.: Anne Frank – the Book, the Life, the Afterlife

Ross, D.: Myths, Illusions and Peace

Urofsky, M.: Louis D. Brandeis

Weisel, E.: Rashi

Wolfson, R.: The Seven Questions You’re Asked in Heaven



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During the summer months, the Library is open:



Tuesday 9:30 – 12:30

Thursday 9:30 -12:30



…questions? Need special access? Call us at 675-1166, ext. 503.

Be sure to stop by the next time you are in the building – visit us, see what’s new, and take home books and DVDs. It’s YOUR synagogue library—enjoy!

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