Posted by Naomi Firestone-Teeter

If you live in NY (or happen to be stopping by) check out this great new series out in Brooklyn:

Candlestick Reading Series & Club is a series of literary get-togethers where writers apply their craft to the age-old question of the meaning of Jewish life.

These poets, bloggers, novelists, and storytellers call themselves Jewish, but what does that make their writing? Candlestick Readings shed light on the conundrum of calling a Jewish person’s work Jewish. Especially in an era when growing up Jewish means laughing with Larry David, taking a free trip to Israel, and trading in stereotypes, it might seem like there’s not much to say. But, there is. And here we are.

At the reading series, writers, performers, and musicians share the stage.

At the book club we read and discuss established Jewish voices, like Jakov lind, Elkin, Roth, Eisenberg, Babel, Brodkey, etc.

All events are free, open to the public, and in Brooklyn, New York.

Candlestick Readings was inspired by a fondness for literature, active writers and artists, a desire to read Jewish writing in a group, and an opportunity provided by Birthright Israel NEXT/Natan Grants for Social Entrepreneurs.

Email: candlestickreadings@gmail.com

Please suggest readers, book club books, ideas. Send your work if you’re interested in reading.

The first reading on May 11 is at Pete’s Candy Store, 709 Lorimer, Brooklyn. The reading will include Melissa Broder (find her blog posts here), Jason Diamond, Joshua Cohen (stay tuned for his blog posts later this month), and Fiona Maazel, with music by Rueben Chess.

The first book club will be held of June 15th and will be led by Joshua Cohen. Read the book (Landscape in Concrete) and stay tuned for more details here.