Large group of women in a living room where one person is holding a book.

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

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

Songs for the Brokenhearted by Ayelet Tsabarai

Kantika by Elizabeth Graver

Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

Künstlers in Paradise by Cathleen Schine

The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz

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

Professional headshot of woman
  • Deb Carneol Fendrich
  • Senior Director of Affinities and Women’s Philanthropy
  • Email | Phone
Professional headshot of woman

Deb Carneol Fendrich

  • Senior Director of Affinities and Women’s Philanthropy
  • Email | Phone

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 Lions 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.

  • Melissa Taylor
  • Associate Director of Women’s Philanthropy
  • Email | Phone