a morning with Michael David Lukas, author of The Watchman of Old Cairo

Please join us in celebrating Jewish Book Month with Michael David Lukas, author of The Watchman of Old Cairo, and winner of the Sami Rohr prize for Jewish literature.

The Last Watchman of Old Cairo by Michael David Lukas

Joseph, a literature student at Berkeley, is the son of a Jewish mother and a Muslim father. One day, a mysterious package arrives on his doorstep, pulling him into a mesmerizing adventure to uncover the tangled history that binds the two sides of his family. For generations, the men of the at-Raqb family have served as watchmen of the storied Ibn Ezra Synagogue in Old Cairo, built at the site where the infant Moses was taken from the Nile. Joseph learns of his ancestor Ali, a Muslim orphan who nearly a thousand years earlier was entrusted as the first watchman of the synagogue and became enchanted by its legendary - and perhaps magical - Ezra Scroll. The story of Joseph's family is entwined with that of the British twin sisters Agnes and Margaret, who in 1897 depart their hallowed Cambridge halls on a mission to rescue sacred texts that have begun to disappear from the synagogue.

Shir Shabbat services are held in the chapel Saturdays at 10:30 am between Simchat Torah in the fall and Shavuot in the late spring. Congregational volunteers fill the positions of lay leader, lay cantor, Torah and Haftarah readers, and by delivering an explanation, or D'rash, relating to the Torah portion, or another Jewish topic.

As you enter the chapel, you will be greeted warmly and made welcome. The participants create a uniquely spirited and heartfelt atmosphere blending traditional prayers and music with relevent commentary on important issues. No expertise is required to attend, and all ages are welcome.

Torah Portion: Vayeira
Haftarah Portion: II Kings 4:1-37

Get Involved: We welcome your involvement and participation! Please email our Shir Shabbat chair to find out more.

For a full list of upcoming Shir Shabbat services and the lay leadership participating at each service, visit our Shir Shabbat Services page.