By Kareen Hartwig

As chair of the 2015-2016 One Book, One Jewish Community Implementation Team I was asked to share about why I continue to help make this program happen year after year. The answer is simple, I like being a part of a team of wonderful, talented individuals that truly has a worthwhile purpose and a specific mission. A mission which I have found compelling and relevant for the nine years of the program. While it is not always easy to find that “One Book”, year after year the team perseveres until “the” book is discovered and chosen.

OBOJC fulfills a great need for the Philadelphia Jewish Community by bringing together hundreds of Jewish adults in discussion, study and learning. OBOJC is a program for all who are interested in Jewish literacy whether or not they affiliate with an organization or congregation.

Creating a network of partners, with synagogues and other Jewish institutions, has made OBOJC a far reaching program, with a wide geographic range, across denominational lines and with both small and large audiences. Additionally, it has served as a model for other communities who now run similar communal literacy programs.

obojc gc logoOBOJC create an exciting author event (this year this coming Sunday, January 10, 2016, 3:00pm at Gratz College) and provides a resource guide for our partners to assist them in creating programs of their own (find it here). Each year our dozens of partners create outstanding programs throughout the Greater Philadelphia area involving hundreds of people.

As we prepare for the Author event, this Sunday, January 10, 2016, 3:00pm at Gratz College, the OBOJC Implementation team and I  invite you to read this year’s selection, A Backpack, A Bear and Eight Creates of Vodka by Lev Golinkin and join us. Even if you haven’t read the book yet, come to hear his story and be inspired! Books will be available for sale, and for signing.

Register today by clicking here.

Do you love OBOJC? Join one of our Giving Circles (and get reserved seats, an invite to a vodka tasting with the author following the kickoff, an invite to a special spring event and other benefits) by clicking here.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!