News Summary
The Detroit Jewish News Book Club held its second meeting, focusing on Michael G. Smith’s work, ‘Concrete Century,’ which explores architect Julius Kahn’s life. The event featured an engaging discussion led by Jewish News Archivist Mike Smith, showcasing the significant contributions of the Kahn brothers to Detroit’s architectural landscape. Attendees enjoyed refreshments and had the chance to purchase signed copies of the book, fostering a sense of community and connection around Jewish heritage and literature.
West Bloomfield, Michigan – The second Detroit Jewish News Book Club meeting took place on April 27 at Schuler Books on Orchard Lake Road, drawing over 40 local book enthusiasts. The focus of the evening was local author Michael G. Smith and his recent publication, Concrete Century, which explores the life and contributions of Julius Kahn, the lesser-known brother of renowned industrial designer Albert Kahn.
The event featured an engaging interview conducted by the Jewish News Archivist Mike Smith, who guided the discussion about Michael G. Smith’s journey in researching Julius Kahn’s legacy. The presentation highlighted Julius and Albert Kahn’s Jewish heritage as sons of immigrants, emphasizing their significant impacts on architectural innovations in Detroit and beyond.
During the presentation, Michael G. Smith captivated attendees with insights from his book, which reflects his in-depth research into Julius Kahn’s life and achievements. Readers learned about the enduring influence the Kahn brothers had on the architectural landscape and the cultural heritage of Detroit’s Jewish community.
The event was well-received, noted for the knowledge and charisma of Michael G. Smith, making it a memorable experience for those in attendance. Following the presentation, a lively question-and-answer session allowed participants to engage directly with the author and delve deeper into the topics discussed. The atmosphere was further enhanced by refreshments, courtesy of Schuler Books, which was co-sponsoring the event along with the Detroit Jewish News.
Store manager Grace Fabbri and event coordinator Paula Korelitz ensured a warm and welcoming environment for all guests, contributing to the overall success of the evening. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase signed copies of Concrete Century as a keepsake of the evening.
This was the second installment of the Detroit Jewish News Book Club, with the initial meeting occurring on January 19, which featured over 100 participants and author Don Levin discussing his book, Ghosts of Detroit. The popularity of these events highlights a growing interest in literature and heritage among the community.
The next JN Book Club event is scheduled for August 3, where another engaging author discussion is expected. Those interested in joining the book club can sign up by emailing salessupport@theJewishnews.com to receive newsletters detailing upcoming events and book reviews.
As the Detroit Jewish News Book Club continues to gather local literary lovers, it fosters a sense of community and connection through the exploration of Jewish history and culture, inviting broader discussions around important themes and figures.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Jewish News Book Club Launch
- Wikipedia: Architectural History
- Jewish Name Changes Discussion
- Google Search: Jewish Architects
- Julius Kahn’s Contributions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Julius Kahn
- Jewish News Book Club Launch Details
- Google News: Detroit Jewish News
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
