Book Club at Adath Jeshurun

Join us today as we discuss “Weight of Ink” by Rachel Kadish. “A mysterious collection of papers hidden in a historic London home sends two scholars of Jewish history on an unforgettable quest. When Helen Watt receives a phone call from a former student about centuries-old documents secreted away in his posh residence, she doesn’t hold out much hope for their importance. Close to retirement, Helen’s seen it all. But a cursory look at the papers tells her she’s holding something special. She returns to the house with Aaron Levy…(and) despite butting heads over process, the unlikely pair of literary detectives uncover a stunning truth: the writer of the documents is a 17th century woman who chronicled the Jewish diaspora, from the horrors of Spanish inquisition to the rich trade city of Amsterdam and the relative safe haven of London. Kadish deftly weaves contemporary scholarly intrigue with the voice of Ester Velasquez, an Incandescent 17th century mind who longed to engage with the brilliant men of her day…Ester risks everything to wrestle with ideas that counter rabbinical teachings, developing a secret identity to protect her family from harm…Kadish’s characters are memorable…pious rabbis and ribald actors, socialites and troubled young men, Mossad agents and rule-worshipping archivists. From Shakespeare’s Dark Lady to Spinoza’s philosophical heresies, Kadish leaves no stone unturned in this moving historical epic.” Review by KirKus Review. – published June 2017.

This event is being held at Adath Jeshurun, 2401 Woodbourne Avenue in the Roth Family Boardroom.

For more information contact Deborah Slosberg at dslosberg@adathjeshurun.com or 458-5359.

Cost of the hardcover is $19.00 – kindle is $15.00.