Book Club
Starting a Book Club: Tips and Suggestions
A women-only group is often ideal as it allows for deeper, more personal discussions. The atmosphere should remain informal and open, with participants leading the conversation while being gently guided by a facilitator.
For some books, reading one chapter per week and meeting weekly works well, while for others, reading the entire book before a discussion might be more effective.
Book clubs can have a powerful and positive impact that can bring major growth.
Here are two top tips for success:
Pre-read every book. To ensure the content aligns with the lubavitch hashkafa.
Choose books that resonate with your group. Offering a choice between two books or asking for their input can give members a sense of ownership in the book club.
Meetings typically last around 1 to 1.5 hours, and keeping them casual creates a relaxed atmosphere.
Begin by sharing a thought or insight related to the book, which often naturally leads into a Dvar Torah. highlight the parts that can be connected to Chassidus or Jewish pride.
Keeping things casual is key—no lengthy preparation is needed, just about 10 to 15 minutes of discussion. After that, go around and let everyone share something meaningful to them. It's important to keep things moving since some people might enjoy talking a bit too much!
Meeting every 4 to 6 weeks works for many groups. However, remember that what works for one community may not work for another, so knowing your group's preferences is essential. For example, one group may love a book that another dislikes entirely.
Invite the author to join for a discussion about the book, as this can provide unique insights and greatly enrich the conversation.
Recommended Books:
Positivity Bias
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
The Rebbe’s Army by Sue Fishkoff
Of Medicine, Miracles, and Mindsets by Rabbi Elie Estrin
What Would You do if you Weren't Afraid by Michal Oshman.