Writer. Reader. Reviewer. Resource Maven.

Jewish Literary Links for Shabbat

by on Friday, November 23, 2012 (0) Comments

Photo Credit: Reut Miryam Cohen

Every Friday morning My Machberet presents an assortment of Jewish literary news from around the Web.

  • On the occasion of the publication of Herman Wouk’s latest novel, Adam Kirsch revisits Wouk’s major writings and career.
  • A big thank-you to The Kenyon Review for posting audio of Elie Wiesel’s acceptance speech on November 8, when he received the 2012 Kenyon Review Award for Literary Achievement.
  • Paid, part-time internship opportunity with the Jewish Book Council in New York. Apply by December 17.
  • Further thoughts stemming from Philip Roth’s retirement announcement, from Jason Diamond and D.G. Myers.
  • Right after his November 15 reading at Baruch College, Etgar Keret headed home to Israel. Shortly thereafter, it seems, he wrote this.
  • This week was, again, a time when I (to paraphrase a rabbi friend) thought often of our cousins in the East. To stay informed, I relied extensively on The Times of Israel, Tablet, Jeffrey Goldberg, and the URJ’s Israel page.

    • Shabbat shalom to all. And special thanks to RJ.org for publishing my poem, “Questions for the Critics,” on Tuesday.

    Labels: , , , , ,

    FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle BookmarksShare

    Jewish Literary Links for Shabbat

    by on Friday, November 16, 2012 (0) Comments

    Photo Credit: Reut Miryam Cohen

    Every Friday morning My Machberet presents an assortment of Jewish literary news from around the Web.

  • Coming soon (as in: next Tuesday, November 20): the next meeting of the Jewish Book Council’s Twitter Book Club, featuring Shani Boianjiu and The People of Forever Are Not Afraid.
  • You’ve likely heard the news: Philip Roth is done with writing! Eitan Kensky reads the announcement more closely.
  • From Judy Bolton-Fasman: Q&A with Michael Lowenthal, whose latest novel, The Paternity Test, “gracefully merges gay marriage, Jewish identity, sexuality, the Holocaust, Jewish continuity and sexual fidelity in one story.”
  • Moment magazine has announced the topic for this year’s “Elephant in the Room” essay contest. Click here for details.
  • Glad to see that The Jewish Week’s “Well Versed” arts blog seems to be back.

    • Wishing everyone–especially in Israel–a Shabbat Shalom.

    Labels: , , , ,

    FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle BookmarksShare

    Jewish Book Carnival (Plus an Announcement About My Newest Role)

    by on Thursday, November 15, 2012 (2) Comments

    It’s mid-month, which means that it’s once again time for the Jewish Book Carnival, organized by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL). Please click through to find all the posts on Jewish books and writing that the Carnival contributors are sharing this month.

    You’ll see, too, that we’ll be hosting the Carnival right here on My Machberet next month. And there’s one more exciting announcement included in the Carnival: Yours truly will be the AJL’s Facebook Writer-in-Residence during the month of December. Don’t miss any of those posts and discussions! “Like” the AJL’s Facebook page today!

    Labels: , , ,

    FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle BookmarksShare

    Jewish Literary Links for Shabbat

    by on Friday, November 09, 2012 (0) Comments

    Photo Credit: Reut Miryam Cohen


    Every Friday morning My Machberet presents an assortment of Jewish literary news from around the Web.

  • This week, Kenyon Review Online published “The Golem of Zukow,” a gripping short story by Helen Maryles Shankman.
  • Yiddish Book Center staff report back from the most recent American Literary Translators Association, shining a special spotlight on a “Translating Israel” panel.
  • Elie Wiesel and U.S. President Barack Obama will be writing a book together. (UPDATE on Tuesday, November 13: Although this item was reported widely last week, its accuracy is now in doubt.)
  • Among the facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy is The Forward‘s main office in downtown New York. I’ve made a small contribution to help out.
  • I’m off imminently to the JCC Lane Dworkin Jewish Book Festival in Rochester. Can’t wait!

    • Shabbat shalom.

    Labels: , , , ,

    FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle BookmarksShare

    Free Summer Program for High-School Students: Great Jewish Books

    by on Tuesday, November 06, 2012 (0) Comments

    News from the Yiddish Book Center:
    Great Jewish Books Summer Program

    A week-long exploration of literature & culture for high school students
    at the Yiddish Book Center, Amherst, MA

    The Great Jewish Books Summer Program brings together eighteen rising high school juniors and seniors to read, discuss, argue about, and fall in love with some of the most powerful and enduring works of modern Jewish literature. Participants study with some of the nation’s most respected literary scholars, meet prominent contemporary authors, and connect with other teens from across the country. When asked what the highlight of the week was, one of last year’s students said, “The whole week was a highlight!” Enough said. This summer’s program runs from July 28 – August 4, 2013. The program is entirely free for accepted students, including tuition, rooms, meals, and a stack of incredible books. Applications are due March 15, 2013. Apply Now! Email greatjewishbooks@bikher.org with any questions.

    Labels: ,

    FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle BookmarksShare