Reflections on the Physics and Astronomy Student Reading Society (PhASRS) at San José State University

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed profound changes on the way we think about undergraduate physics education. Online courses became mainstream. Exam formats were reimagined. Digital whiteboards replaced face-to-face discussions. Laboratory classes outfitted with home-delivered supply kits. And all of us developed a more intimate knowledge Greek letters and symbols (delta, omicron, etc.) than might have comfortably liked to admit. Having weathered these transformations from point view both an student (S.L.J.) classroom instructors (A.H. C.L.S.), found that among most challenging aspects in-person learning experience replicate in online environment been relational ones. To highlight some ways which issues can be mitigated, report here activities San Jose State University (SJSU) Physics Astronomy Student Reading Society (PhASRS), was reading group at SJSU founded by ourselves others running summer 2020 until end fall semester. Elements group's structure guiding principles are described, as well faculty reflections what worked did not. manuscript underlines power astronomy- physics-themed journal clubs vehicles for generally emphasizes importance community-building initiatives discipline. Our hope is this summary will inspire members students colleges perhaps high schools imagine new possibilities developing communities people science not otherwise able exist.