Books

Jewish authors slam Jewish Book Council for ‘bias toward centering Israeli, Zionist voices’

A new open letter signed by 42 authors argues that the Jewish Book Council, which was founded in 1925, should commit itself more to spotlighting Jewish voices who disagree with traditional Zionism.

Jewish book lovers gather at the Jewish Book Council's offices in Manhattan, July 19, 2023.
Don’t Feed the Lion.

Novel on antisemitism by Yonit Levi and Bianna Golodryga sells well, but New York Times ignores it

Esther Kreitman (nee Singer), born in 1891 in Biłgoraj, Poland, to a rabbinic family, became a Yiddish-language novelist and short story writer.

There was always a third Singer: Yiddish literary diamonds revealed - review

A portrait of Friedrich Torberg, Jan. 1, 1970.

A lost novel from 1943 that predicted the Holocaust has been recovered


Jerusalem highlights: October 31-November 6

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

Adraba Bookstore

Philip Roth’s latest biographer wants Jews to read him again, without the guilt 

Stanford historian Steven J. Zipperstein had already begun work on the biography before the author died in 2018, arguing why Roth remains relevant and vital, especially to current Jewish discourse.

Steven J. Zipperstein said his training as a historian helped him separate truth from fiction in writing his biography of Roth.

'Frequencies of Deceit': Propaganda broadcasting in the heyday of the radio age - review

From the previously under-appreciated source of radio broadcasting, Margaret Peacock sheds new light on how and why today’s Middle East has developed.

KING GEORGE V delivers the 1934 Royal Christmas Message on BBC Radio.

'The Jewish South': Comfort and discomfort of southern Jewry - review

Most pioneering is her description of the Jews’ participation in the Confederate government and army, pinpointing by name the Jewish “rebels” serving in the army.

BETH ISRAEL Synagogue in Macon, Georgia, circa 1876.

Katherine Janus Kahn, illustrator of ‘Sammy Spider’ Jewish children’s books, dies at 83

Janus Kahn, a fine artist also noted for her works on political justice and women’s issues, illustrated more than 50 books for Kar-Ben, a publishing house for Jewish children’s books.

Katherine Janus Kahn, the illustrator of the Sammy Spider Jewish children's books, speaks about her work in a 2013 video.

‘A Call at 4 AM': Extracts from Amit Segal's magnum opus on Israel's leaders

In 'A Call at 4 AM: Thirteen Prime Ministers and the Crucial Decisions That Shaped Israeli Politics,' journalist and media personality Amit Segal offers a fisheye view of Israeli politics.

AMIT SEGAL at work in the Knesset.

US military base cancels event celebrating Jewish woman cyclist, cites DEI claims

The incident is the latest example of a broad crackdown on diversity initiatives that have pushed out Jewish representation.

The cover of "Pedal Pusher" by Mary Boone; the author at a book fair.

'Hostage': Eli Sharabi’s account of his captivity by Hamas - review

Two men grabbed Sharabi and dragged him out barefoot. He yelled to his family, promising to return. A terrorist hit him, causing his glasses to fall to the ground. He was beaten and kicked.

Eli Sharabi greets supporters, alongside Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon (behind him, next to the flag), as he arrives to address the UN Security Council in New York York City, in March.

Hebrew Union College, Ohio AG reach deal to protect 600,000 rare books, papers in Jewish collection

The collection contains Biblical codices, illuminated manuscripts, communal records, legal documents, scientific tracts, and incunabula.

 Hebrew Pentateuch (from 900-1188) written in typical Hebrew oriental book hand.

Hidden basement cache reveals 1.5-ton haul of lost yeshiva of the sages of Lublin books in Warsaw

The researchers removed about 40 to 50 sacks—roughly 1.5 tons—from a locked basement near the Nożyk Synagogue.

Hidden basement cache reveals 1.5-ton haul of lost yeshiva of the sages of Lublin books in Warsaw.