Sponsored by: Community You Can Believe In
Book Discussion with Lynda Cohen Loigman: The Matchmaker's Gift
Monday, March 13, 2023 • 20 Adar 5783
7:00 PM - 9:00 PMBeth El Temple, 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117USA Today bestselling author Lynda Cohen Loigman will join us to discuss her latest book, The Matchmaker’s Gift, a story about two women from two different eras—a matchmaker and her divorce attorney granddaughter—who defy societal expectations and embrace their unique gift for seeing soulmates in the most unexpected of places.
Ms. Loigman discussed one of her earlier novels, The Wartime Sisters, at a Women's Network event a few years ago, and we are very excited to welcome her back as our Women's History Month guest speaker!
Most Jewish matchmakers in early 1900s New York were men, so Loigman explains that she “imagined how a group of religious men would feel about a young, unmarried woman who was blessed with a gift that allowed her to do their job better than they ever could. [...] The Matchmaker’s Gift became a story about women whose intelligence, ambition, and talents were suppressed, but who nonetheless found the strength to follow their calling.”
These chapters simmer with vibrant detail [...] recall the early twentieth century Jewish immigrant experience. [...] exudes authenticity, invoking the sights and smells of a bygone Lower East Side. [...] anyone whose life has been touched or inspired by a grandparent will be drawn to The Matchmaker’s Gift—its vision of how one generation can affect another through shared stories and connections.
--Ellyn Lem, Professor of English at the University of WI-Milwaukee at Waukesha and a cultural critic. Her scholarship includes numerous articles and books, including Gray Matters: Finding Meaning in the Stories of Later Life (2020).
"Combining authentic historical fiction with mystery and a touch of romance, Loigman artfully reminds us that the past is never far, the present is a gift and the future is ours for the making. The Matchmaker’s Gift is timely and timeless, and readers should make time for this original and touching story about the things that matter most."
––Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman With The Blue Star
Loigman grew up in Longmeadow, MA. She received a B.A. in English and American Literature from Harvard College and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. Her debut novel, Two-Family House, was a USA Today bestseller and a nominee for the Goodreads 2016 Choice Awards in Historical Fiction. Her second novel, The Wartime Sisters, was selected as a Woman’s World Book Club pick and a Best Book of 2019 by Real Simple Magazine. The Matchmaker’s Gift has been named a Best Book of Fall by Parade - BuzzFeed - New York Post - GMA.com - People.
While we encourage you to purchase and read The Matchmaker's Gift in advance, we will also have copies available for purchase at the event.
Register
This form closed on 2023-03-12 20:00:00.Share Print Save To My Calendar |
Fri, April 26 2024
18 Nisan 5784
Upcoming Events
-
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024
Sunday, Apr 28th 12:15p to 4:00p
For this community hike, we'll meet at Dr. Eliyahu’s house (1021 Mountain Road, Bloomfield, CT) after SULAM enjoys a field day at Schechter. Click in for details and to register! -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 1 , 2024Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, May 1st 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin, Women's Network and the Israel Engagement Committee as we explore both timely and timeless topics through the lens of "Dirshuni: Contemporary Women's Midrash," a book which weaves together ancient Jewish texts and contemporary women's voices. All are welcome, whether it is your first time or you are a regular. All you need is an interest in learning! Snacks will be provided. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024Shabbat Playgroup in the Park: May the Fourth Edition!
Shabbat, May 4th 3:00p to 5:00p
Calling all 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups: come find your people at the park! Join Rabbi Zerin, Dr. Eliyahu, and your friends at Beth El for a relaxed Shabbat afternoon at Eisenhower Park. We will provide cold drinks and summer treats! Note: will be canceled in case of rain. RSVPs requested but not required. Click in to RSVP! -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024
Sunday, May 5th 6:30a to 10:00p
All 8th – 12th graders are invited to join Dr. Eliyahu Krigel and Marisa Beede for a special trip to NYC for the day to learn about the Jewish immigrant experience. The Masa Program at BET is our new program for 8th – 12th graders. This is a travel impact program that will consist of a combination of meetings which, culminating in a trip. For the first year of the program this year, we will be taking a trip to NYC for the day. We’ll leave on a private bus from the Beth El parking lot at 6:30am on May 5! We’ll be back to Beth El at 10:00pm on May 5. The cost is $50 for Beth El members thanks to the generous support of Men’s Club! During the trip we will visit Ellis Island, The Tenement Museum, and the Top of the Rock. We will also experience Kosher dining in NYC as well. In addition to the trip, we will also gather once before to help plan the trip and once after to reflect on our experience together. Space is limited to 20 students. Please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel at ekrigel@bethelwh.org with questions and for more information. Click in to register!