The Book Circle will meet on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m. at the shul to delve into a chronicle by Edna Fernandes, who explores the hidden Jewish history of Southwestern India in her book, The Last Jews of Kerala.

           Two Thousand years ago, trade routes and the fall of Jerusalem took Jewish settlers seeking sanctuary across Europe and Asia. One little-known group settled in Kerala, in tropical southwestern India. Eventually, they prospered, numbering in the thousands, with eight synagogues, some possessing vast estates and plantations, and also enjoying privilege and influence. Yet the population was severed  —  black Jews and white Jews; the feud went on for centuries over who had arrived first.

Today, the combined group is in its dying days, numbering fewer than 50 Jews and only one synagogue. It is the story of the feud and its sad outcome, but also of family events, loyalty, individualism and hope.

The Book Circle meets monthly to discuss books by Jewish authors and/or writings on Jewish themes. For more information, email ctigreenport@gmail.org with a message for Susan Rosenstreich, coordinator of the group.