The SJC Jewish Studies group--the Book Club--meets next at 3:00 Sunday afternoon, May 20--of course, on the top floor of the Summit, 1200 University, a few blocks east of downtown Seattle. There's free parking, free refreshments, and free compliments (if you ask and if there's indeed something to compliment).

Our next reading will be a little different. It's a classic book, but it's huge. So don't feel compelled to read all of it, or even half of it. A lot of it, I'm told, is essays, or at least sections that could be essays, so choose what interests you. I'm sure we'll have plenty of interesting stuff to talk about. And if you do bring it to our meeting, please don't sprain your back.

The book is Hannah Arendt's The Origins of Totalitarianism. The description: "Examines the rise of antisemitism in Central and Western European Jewish history in the 19th century, European colonial imperialism from 1884 to World War I, and the institutions and operations of totalitarian movements and governments." It's a very well-known book, and I'm guessing that it contains some relevant insights for our current times, but maybe that's just me.

I hope to see you next month. Questions or comments, Email Neal, Your facilitator