Sue’ s Book Club
By Sue Littauer
I recently learned that Dana Bash, CNN’ s chief political correspondent, had written a book with David Fisher titled“ The Elections That Changed the
World: Fifteen Pivotal Moments That Shaped How We Live.” As a devoted Dana Bash fan, I was immediately intrigued. The timing also caught my attention. With the midterm elections approaching this November, a book examining the lasting consequences of elections across history seemed especially relevant.
Bash approaches the subject much as one might expect from a veteran political correspondent, with a journalist’ s eye for detail and context. But each chapter is also filled with anecdotes that bring these moments,
and the people behind them, to life. I read the book in two days and learned a great deal along the way.
As Amazon describes it:“ From CNN’ s Chief Political Correspondent and author Dana Bash comes a riveting journey into the most crucial elections in history, from the throes and uprisings of Ancient Rome to the modern-day political climate that put today’ s leaders in power.”
Before I share Bash’ s selections, I have a challenge for you: Which pivotal elections or political moments would make your list? Put this column aside for a moment and write them down. Then come back and see how your choices compare.
Bash and Fisher selected these 15 moments that they believe altered the course of
history:
• 63 B. C.: Julius Caesar Elected Pontifex Maximus and Praetor
• 1265: Consequences of the Magna Carta
• Nov. 21, 1620: The Mayflower Compact Brings Self-Government to the New World
• 1796 and 1800: Adams vs. Jefferson
• 1860: The Election of Abraham Lincoln
• 1911: The Election of Sun Yat-sen as President of China
• 1932 and 1940: The Elections of Franklin D. Roosevelt
• 1932: The German Elections Result in Adolf Hitler Becoming Dictator
• 1945: Clement Attlee Defeats Churchill
• 1955: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elected Leader of the Montgomery Improvement Association
• 1958: The Election of Pope John XXIII
• 1967 and 1969: Women Become World Leaders: Indira Gandhi and Golda Meir( this was my favorite chapter)
• 1966: Ronald Reagan Wins the California Gubernatorial Election
• 1985 – 1991: Gorbachev and Yeltsin Dissolve the Soviet Union
• May 10, 1994: Nelson Mandela Is Elected President of South Africa
Any surprises? Which choices would make your list, and which
The Charlotte Jewish News- November 2026- Page 5 Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
Center for Jewish Education Book Club Schedule
The Center for Jewish Education( CJE) Book Club brings community members together to discuss selected books. Meetings take place on the second Wednesday of each month at 10:30 AM in Room A110 at Shalom Park, with all featured books available through the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource Center. Participation is open to all. To join, register as a USER at the library desk. For more information, call 704-944-6783 or contact Sue Littauer at sueb. littauer @ jewishcharlotte. org
would not? Let me hear from you, and I will share some of your responses in my next column. There are no right or wrong answers.
The exercise itself is a reminder that the significance of
November 11 Kissing Girls on Shabbat Sara Glass
December 9 Goyhood Reuven Fenton
an election is not always apparent when the ballots are cast. Its consequences may unfold for years, decades or even generations. Remember, every vote counts.
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte Welcomes Tobias Siegal as Israel Center Director
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By Jessica Goldfarb
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is pleased to welcome Tobias“ Toby” Siegal as the new Director of the Israel Center. Joining Federation from Jerusalem, Israel, Toby brings extensive experience in Israel-Diaspora relations along with a personal connection to the Charlotte Jewish community.
Toby previously served as a Shaliach( Israeli emissary) in Australia and New Zealand, spending two years working closely with Jewish communities and young adults to strengthen their connections with Israel. His work has also included journalism, government communications, and roles with Israeli organizations, most recently serving as interim spokesperson and global PR manager for Masa Israel Journey.
Charlotte is already familiar territory for Toby. During a previous visit to the city as a Shaliach, he had the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community, an experience that left a lasting impression.“ I
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Tobias“ Toby: Siegal |
came away feeling far more connected to Charlotte than I had expected to,” Toby shared.“ I met people who were welcoming, thoughtful and genuinely interested in conversation. They wanted real conversations. They wanted to better understand Israel and feel like a moving part of its story. I want to help bring Israel closer again through its people, its beauty, its culture and yes, through its complexity too.”
In his new role, Toby will help guide the development of Federation’ s Israel Center, an initiative designed to strengthen connections between Jewish Charlotte and Israel through learning opportunities, expanded programming, and relationship building.
Reporting to Federation CEO Adam Kolett, he will work collaboratively with community organizations and leaders to build on existing Israel engagement efforts and create new opportunities for connection.
With a background in journalism and a passion for writing and storytelling, Toby brings both professional expertise and
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a personal interest in fostering meaningful conversations about Israel and Jewish life.
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is committed to strengthening the relationship between Jewish Charlotte and Israel by creating opportunities for connection.
Toby’ s experience and leadership will help turn that commitment into meaningful experiences, new partnerships, and a stronger foundation for Israel engagement across our community.
To learn more about the Israel Center, connect with Toby Siegal at Toby. Siegal @ Jewish- Charlotte. org
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