Yiddish Book Discussions Coming to the Lakewood Branch of the Ocean County Library

LAKEWOOD – The Lakewood Branch of the Ocean County Library will be hosting a series of book discussions for three different works of Yiddish literature as selected by the Yiddish Book Center’s (YBC) Between Two Worlds grant and one book chosen by the branch staff that holds community interest and relates to the central theme, Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion through Yiddish Literature.

The discussions will take place in the branch’s meeting room at 11 a.m. on the following dates:

• Tuesday, May 12 – Tevye the Dairyman by Sholem Aleichem
• Tuesday, June 9 – The Zelmenyaners by Moyshe Kulbak
• Tuesday, July 7 – A Jewish Refugee in New York by Kadya Molodovsky
• Tuesday, August 4 – The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum (staff selection)

Light refreshments will be served. Every participant will get copies of the books to keep, along with an Ocean County Library tote bag.

The Lakewood Branch was accepted into the YBC’s public library program for 2025-2026. They were awarded a grant from YBC for programming centered on Yiddish literature. One of only 40 libraries selected, this program is a partnership with the American Library Association, and made possible by the generous support of the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

The goal, according to YBC’s description of the program, is “[bringing] Yiddish literature in translation to public libraries across the United States to deepen their engagement with Yiddish literature and Jewish life, religion, and culture, and to foster vibrant cross-cultural dialogue and discussion in their communities."

Registration is required for these free programs. Space is limited. To register, visit tinyurl.com/YiddishBookDiscussion,  call 732-363-1435 or stop by the branch at 301 Lexington Ave.