Women’s Philanthropy
Book Club
Where Jewish themes spark dialogue, learning, and community.
Overview
Women’s Philanthropy’s seasonal Book Club brings Milwaukee Jewish women together to explore books with meaningful Jewish themes. Each gathering offers thoughtful conversation, connection, and a welcoming space to build community. Sessions are free to attend, hosted in a private home, and books are announced in advance.
Simply RSVP and join us for a warm and engaging discussion each season.
2025-2026 Co-Chairs: Robin Arenzon and Betsy Rosenblum
Past Reads
2025 – 2026
The Love Elixir of August Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi’s Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging by Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
How to Share an Egg: A True Story of Hunger, Love and Plenty by Bonny Reichert
2024 – 2025
Songs for the Brokenhearted by Ayelet Tsabarai
Kantika by Elizabeth Graver
Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino
2023 – 2024
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Künstlers in Paradise by Cathleen Schine
2022 – 2023
The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir of the Power of Friendships by Nina Totenberg
The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Interested in Joining?
Connect with us to learn about the upcoming selection, host, and how to RSVP.
Connect
Deb Carneol Fendrich serves as Senior Director of Affinities and Women’s Philanthropy at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. In her Women’s Philanthropy role, she leads strategy and execution for engagement, leadership development, and campaign efforts, overseeing volunteer leadership and donor stewardship. She also guides signature programs such as VALOR and International Women’s Day and stewards the growth of Women’s Philanthropy giving societies including Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Societies.
In her Affinities role, Deb partners with and supports the Federation’s Affinity Directors, helping them execute their visions through strategic guidance around campaign, engagement, and leadership development, while fostering cross-affinity collaboration and building strong lay leadership pipelines.
Outside of work, Deb enjoys singing, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with friends, her husband Ben, their daughters Logan and Micah, and their dog, Maya.
