The Board of Jewish Education offers several events this month as part of its Beyond the Bookshelf series.
Family of Spies: A World War II Story of Nazi Espionage, Betrayal & the Secret History Behind Pearl Harbor by Christine Kuehn, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m. Brunch at the Marjorie and Lewis Katz JCC, 501 N. Jerome Ave.
Join author Christine Kuehn to learn about a never told account of one family’s secret involvement as Nazi and Japanese spies during WWII and their role in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The Kuehns, once a prominent Berlin family, embraced Nazism to escape hard times. When Ruth, the daughter, had an affair with Joseph Goebbels, he discovered she was half Jewish. Instead of executing her, Goebbels sent the Kuehn family to Hawaii to spy for the Axis Powers. There, Ruth and her parents built a covert operation, relaying secrets to Japan that helped enable the Pearl Harbor attack. Jumping back and forth from Christine discovering her family’s secret to the untold past of spies in Germany, Japan and Hawaii, Family of Spies is fast-paced history at its finest, and will rewrite the narrative of Dec. 7, 1941.
BJE & JFS: Latkes, Lox, and Learning, Friday, Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m. at the Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC
This engaging program will explore the history of Chanukah in a fun, educational way. Expect something a little different this day as we dive into Chanukah trivia, hands-on fun, and lively discussion, all centered around classic Jewish foods and the festive tradition of Chanukah.
BJE Book Club Brunch with Meryl Rodgers, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m. at the Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC
Join local educator, Meryl Rodgers to examine the book “All Who Go Do Not Return.” It focuses on the life of author Shulem Deen, who was raised as a member of the Skverers, one of the most insular Hasidic sects in the U.S. He knows little about the outside world, only that it is to be shunned. His marriage at 18 is arranged and several children soon follow. Deen's first transgression, turning on the radio, is small, but his curiosity leads him to the library, and later the internet. Soon he begins a feverish inquiry into the tenets of his religious beliefs, until, several years later, his faith unravels entirely.
Throwback Thursday: The Jewish-owned businesses of Atlantic City (Part II), Thursday, Dec. 18, 10:30 a.m. at the Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC
Join a delicious brunch and the second installment of our deep dive into the Jewish-owned businesses of Atlantic City and the surrounding area. In November, we explored the hotels and motels that shaped the city’s history. This month, we turn our attention to Jewish-owned entertainment venues, including clubs, bars, and theaters, as well as the restaurateurs and merchants who helped define Atlantic City’s vibrant cultural landscape. We’ll explore the rich Jewish history behind legendary hotspots like Club Harlem and the 500 Club, while also paying homage to the quieter corners of the island, where mom-and-pop shops helped shape everyday life by the shore. Program will be led by Josh Cutler, director of the Board of Jewish Education.
These programs are free to attend, but RSVP is a must. Email [email protected] or call 609-822-4404.
