Modern Jewish Literature Class
Upcoming Sessions
1. Sunday, January 4, 2026 • 15 Tevet 5786
3:30 PM - 5:00 PMBeit Kehillah** and Livestream2. Sunday, January 18, 2026 • 29 Tevet 5786
3:30 PM - 5:00 PMBeit Kehillah** and Livestream3. Sunday, February 1, 2026 • 14 Sh'vat 5786
3:30 PM - 5:00 PMBeit Kehillah** and Livestream4. Sunday, March 1, 2026 • 12 Adar 5786
3:30 PM - 5:00 PMBeit Kehillah** and LivestreamTaught by Ariel Horowitz*
Ariel Horowitz, PhD candidate at the Department of Comparative Literature at Stanford University, will guide participants through Modern Jewish Literature. An exciting selection of books by well-known authors will be discussed.
Class Syllabus:
- January 4: The Penal Colony, by Franz Kafka
- January 18: An Egyptian Novel, by Orly Castro-Bloom
- February 1: A Horse Walks into a Bar, by David Grossman (awarded the 2017 Man Booker International Prize)
- March 1: And the Bride Closed the Door, Ronit Matalon
Class fee: $75 for the series. Please register by Friday, January 2, using the form below. Questions? Contact modjewishlit@betham.org.
If you'd like to borrow one or more of the books on the course syllabus, please consider the Jewish Community Library as a potential source. LEARN MORE
*Ariel Horowitz is a PhD student in comparative literature at Stanford University. Born and raised in Jerusalem, Ariel holds a BA in philosophy and comparative literature, and an MA in comparative literature, both from the Hebrew University. His MA thesis focused on the writings of Yaakov Shabtai and Gershom Scholem, and his current work deals with twentieth-century Jewish literature and thought in relation to history and memory. Ariel is also a writer: his debut novel, Our Finest, was published in Hebrew in 2021 and won critical acclaim. He lives in Stanford with his family. In December 2024, Ariel Horowitz received the Levi Eshkol Literary Award (also known as the Prime Minister's prize) for the best book written in Hebrew in Israel for 2024.
**This event will be live video-streamed. By entering the Beit Kehillah, you permit Beth Am to record you.
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Wed, November 26 2025
6 Kislev 5786
Upcoming Events
Distribute Breakfast at Hope’s Corner
Wednesday, Nov 26th 7:00a to 9:30aBeth Am is part of an interfaith group providing meals to Hope's Corner in Mountain View. We are in need of adult (aged 16+) volunteers to do food preparation under the direction of Hope’s Corner staff.
Erev Shabbat Service
Friday, Nov 28th 6:15p to 7:30pOur worship services are musical, participatory, and informal in spirit; they focus on helping us experience the spiritual renewal, peace, joy, and sense of celebration that Shabbat can bring.
Light Dessert Oneg Shabbat, With Israeli Dancing Led by Cantor Shpall
Friday, Nov 28th 7:30p to 8:30pCome together after Erev Shabbat services to enjoy some light dessert refreshments! Cantor Shpall will be leading some simple Israeli folk dances. The entire congregation is invited, children included!
Beth Am Vegan Challenge: Building Healthy Community
Sunday, Nov 30th 4:00p to 5:30pTry one of the recipes sent to you, one from the internet, or veganize a family recipe!
Tricks of the Trope, Taught by Cantor Jaime Shpall
Tuesday, Dec 2nd 7:00p to 8:00pThe melodies we use for chanting our sacred texts is known as Trope or Cantillation. Trope are the little markings found above and below the biblical Hebrew text that readers use to chant the text properly. You can also learn to chant Torah like a pro!
Congregation Beth Am | 26790 Arastradero Road | Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 | (650) 493-4661
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