Present: Irwin Chalfin, Rita Cimbal, Kathleen Clotfelter, Rhea Cohen, Robin Coller, Heidi Estrin, Bea Gold, Etta Gold, Phyllis Gutmann, Sue Kirshner, June Knopf, Gloria Levin, Jeff Marks, Lillian Nadler, Evelyn Reich, Arlene Robert, Jeff Rosenberg, Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg, Sheila Trossman, Helene Wartel, Ruth Weiner, Barbara Weiss, Helene Yentis.
Meeting called to order after a lovely lunch provided by B'nai Torah. Mrs. Nathan (founder of the Nathan Library) joined us for lunch, and we were greeted by the Rabbi.
Many members brought books to give away, so we started the meeting with a sort of "swap meet."
Sue Kirshner welcomed us to B'nai Torah. We discussed the fact that our chapter does not collect dues at this time, but that the umbrella group of AJL does require dues ($70 individual).
Sue led a discussion of book sale techniques. We heard recommendations not to hold them too often, and to alphabetize the books or group them by genre to make it easier for shoppers.
Sue talked about the upcoming visit of author Judy Petsonk (Queen of the Jews) to South Florida. She will speak in various locales, including Temple Beth Am (Etta's library) on November 10 and Congregation B'nai Israel (Heidi's library) on November 12.
Sue reports that Lorelei Ennis is offering to host a meeting at Temple Dor Dorim in Weston in January. Attendees were enthusiastic about this.
Our speaker at today's meeting was Helene Yentis, an expert of Hebrew illuminated manuscripts. She gave a dynamic presentation, with a slideshow. Helene, Etta Gold, and Jeff Rosenberg shared art history books and facsimiles they'd brought along.
After Helene's talk, Heidi covered AJL business: the upcoming general membership vote, the monthly Jewish Book Carnival, and the annual conference (next year in Las Vegas!). Etta spoke about upcoming programs at Temple Beth Am in Miami.
Helene had brought along a film crew to record her presentation. After her talk, some attendees spoke on camera about Helene and her interesting session.
The meeting was adjourned.
