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Portnoy on “Portnoy”: Discussing Philip Roth (z”l) with Rabbi Mindy Avra Portnoy

Past Sessions
Monday, November 23, 2020 • 7 Kislev 5781 - 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM - Zoom
Monday, November 16, 2020 • 29 Cheshvan 5781 - 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM - Zoom
Monday, November 9, 2020 • 22 Cheshvan 5781 - 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM - Zoom
Monday, November 2, 2020 • 15 Cheshvan 5781 - 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM - Zoom
Monday, October 26, 2020 • 8 Cheshvan 5781 - 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM - Zoom
Monday, October 19, 2020 • 1 Cheshvan 5781 - 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM - Zoom

Begins Monday, October 19 (continuing for 5 more sessions)

“Portnoy” is the Russian word for “tailor,” but the late writer Philip Roth changed its meaning forever when he published the best-selling book Portnoy’s Complaint in 1969. This 6-week class will focus on the life and works of Roth. Our study will highlight the different stages of his life and writings beginning with Goodbye Columbus (1959) and continuing until Nemesis (2010). Themes will include: Jews in America, families, mortality, sex and love, and politics, as well as his views of women, his love of baseball, and his attachment to Newark. We will also discuss some of the reactions to his award-winning work, especially in the Jewish community. The reading of Goodbye Columbus or Portnoy’s Complaint before the first session is recommended but not required.

Members: $36 *Members must be logged in to see/register at this price

Non-Members: $50

Rabbi Mindy Avra Portnoy currently serving as Adjunct Rabbi at Congregation Beth El
(Bethesda), was a Rabbi at Temple Sinai (DC) for 27 years, and is now a Rabbi Emerita. She previously was Director of the B’nai B’rith Hillel Foundation at The American University, and an originator and former national co-coordinator of the Women’s Rabbinic Network. Rabbi Portnoy, a graduate of Yale University (1973), was ordained in June 1980 by the Hebrew Union College-
Jewish Institute of Religion in New York, where she also received an MA in Hebrew literature. She was among the pioneers for women in the rabbinate. Among her various publications are five children’s books, including Ima on the Bima: My Mommy Is a Rabbi and Matzah Ball: A Passover Story. She has taught at The American University, in Beth El’s adult education program, and at numerous other local venues.

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Thu, January 16 2025 16 Tevet 5785