A four-part series of discussions in October will feature prominent American Rabbi Harold Kushner’s latest book “Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World.”  The program will culminate with a presentation by the author himself Thursday, Oct. 28, in conjunction with the JCC’s St. Louis Jewish Book Festival.

 The BIG Community READ program encourages interested participants to read Rabbi Kushner’s book and participate in discussions about its content.  Local rabbis will moderate and host free weekly discussions in October prior to Rabbi Kushner’s visit October 28.  The three weekly discussions are free and open to the public, and reservations are not required.

The four-part fall series includes:

Part 1:  Thurs., Oct. 7, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Brodsky Library (FREE) – Rabbinical insights into Fear and Hope, moderated by Rabbi Brad Horwitz; Panel discussion with Rabbi Susan Talve, Rabbi Carnie Rose, Rabbi Hyim Shafner and Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg

Part 2:  Wed., Oct. 13, 7 to 9 p.m., JCC Staenberg Family Complex (FREE) – What do we fear the most? Breakout sessions facilitated around selected chapters from the book.  Small group facilitators:  Rabbi Andrea Goldstein, Rabbi Randy Fleisher, Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh, Rabbi James Stone Goodman, Rabbi Seth Gordon and Rabbi Mordecai Miller

Part 3:  Thurs., Oct. 21, 7 to 9 p.m., JCC Staenberg Family Complex (FREE) – Discovering comfort in a fearful world. Small groups with facilitated discussion related to Rabbinic literature about Fear and Hope. Group facilitators:  Rabbi Amy Feder, Rabbi Dale Schreiber, Rabbi Lane Steinger and Rabbi Mark Fasman

Part 4:  Thurs., Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m., JCC Staenberg Family Complex ($18) – Rabbi Harold Kushner…Conquering Fear:  Living Boldly in an Uncertain World

The 2010 BIG Community READ is co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Center St. Louis Jewish Book Festival, Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library, Central Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE) and St. Louis Rabbinical Association to promote literacy, community and education. For tickets ($18) to the Rabbi Kushner presentation on Oct. 28 call 314-442-3299 or order online at www.brownpapertickets.com.  For additional information, visit www.jccstl.com or call 314-442-3152.