Erika Dreifus

• “Joshua Cohen’s new book reimagines a minor moment in the life of the outcast revisionist Zionist Benzion Netanyahu.” This Jewish Insider interview with Cohen, conducted by Gabby Deutch, reminded me that I want to read this new novel, The Netanyahus.
• A new series has launched on the Alma website: LATE TAKE, “where we revisit Jewish pop culture of the past for no reason, other than the fact that we can’t stop thinking about it??” Pays: $100. Pitching guidelines in the thread linked just above. (Cross-posted on the Practicing Writing blog.)
• ShUM is an acronym out of the first letters of the medieval Hebrew names for the German cities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz; the ShUM Artist-in-Residence program is currently welcoming fellowship applications in several artistic areas, including literature (“novel, poetry, narration, essays, plays”). Artistic projects should address “the history of the ShUM communities and their religious, cultural, and architectural legacy.” Up to three fellowships, including 4-6 week stays in one of the ShUM cities between October 2021 and February 2022, will be awarded. The fellowship includes housing in “a rent-free furnished apartment, a studio/work room, travel expenses up to €1,000…an allowance of €250 per residency week and a contribution to other expenses (materials or services) of up to €1,000.” There is no fee to apply. Application deadline: July 1.
• As part of my Virtual Writer-in-Residence gig with Congregation Beth Israel (West Hartford, CT), I’ll be offering an online seminar on the subject of “Publishing Your Jewish Short Stories and Poems” on Sunday afternoon, May 23. Notably, this event is not restricted to congregants. But to keep it interactive, registration will be limited. If you’re interested in participating, learn more and register here. And if you want to hire me to lead a similar session for your congregation or other group, please be in touch! (Cross-posted on the Practicing Writing blog.)
• Finally: “New from Bayit’s Liturgical Arts Working Group comes this collaborative compilation of liturgy, poetry and art for this second pandemic Shavuot. Exploring themes of standing together at Sinai (even when we’re apart), the harvest of first fruits, the mountain where we journey and the mountain over our heads, being ‘ownerless’ in the wilderness, and more, these poems and prayers and illustrations are meant for personal and communal use.”

My heart and attention have been very much directed to the East this week. May peace come soon. Shabbat shalom and chag sameach.