The misanthrope at the heart of Kalooki Nights is Max Glickman, a cartoonist who hopes that his caricatures will reveal a "greater truth". Born into an irreligious Jewish family in the 40s, he was raised in an atmosphere of sweet reason comprising "socialism, syndicalism, Bundism, trade unionism, international brotherhoodism, atheism" ad absurdum. His father, a boxing enthusiast, is a product of the "great years of secular and muscularist Judaism" when "pugilist Jews" queued up to take on Mosley's thugs. His mother, rather than confront such realities, organises Kalooki card evenings. (From "Wedded to the Umlaut" by Bryan Cheyette, Guardian Unlimited)
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JOIN THE CLUB!

Book clubs are a great idea at any time. First of all you get to read a book.

We hate to admit it, but in the case of the Jewish Book Club, even reading the book is not obligatory. Although it does help. Of course, that does mean you have to make the time. So, no more Big Brother!

Jewish Book Club meetings are relaxed. Nothing too serious. In fact, nothing serious at all. It's all about getting out and having a friendly chat. And maybe, every so often, offering your home for a meeting (also, not obligatory)

So, give it a go. We are waiting to hear from you.

Support your Jewish community!

— Byron Simmonds, Maureen Leveton

Note: The Jewish Book Club meets once every six weeks or thereabouts.
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