Jewish Literary Links
Toward the end of each week, the My Machberet blog presents a collection of links, drawn primarily from the world of Jewish books and writing.
- This week brought the publication of Zeeva Bukai’s debut novel The Anatomy of Exile. Especially if you weren’t lucky enough to be among the sold-out crowd celebrating the launch Tuesday evening with Bukai (in conversation with Sara Lippmann), you might want to check out Lippmann’s review of the book for the Jewish Book Council.
- Call for submissions from the Academy for Jewish Religion: “AJR will be publishing a supplement to the Book of Esther for Purim this year….We are calling for submission of short pieces, drashot, poems, prayers, and artwork.” No fee to submit; no payment for published work. Deadline: January 31.
- Another call, this one for 10-minute plays: “‘A Staged Affair: An Evening of New Jewish Plays’ will be an evening of staged readings script in hand by Portland, Maine based professional actors on June 7, 2025….Submitted scripts must have some connection to the Jewish experience, be it a theme, a character, or even a passing mention. We are particularly interested in scripts that have a comedic bent.” No fee to submit; honoraria of $250 for playwrights whose scripts are selected. Deadline: March 1.
- “At the Yiddish Book Center’s Great Jewish Books Summer Program, rising high school juniors and seniors read selections from important works of modern Jewish literature and consider how they speak to the opportunities and challenges we face today. Under the guidance of college professors, they consider how the rich legacy of modern Jewish literature can inform us in the twenty-first century.” There is no fee to apply; “every admitted participant receives a scholarship for the full cost of tuition, room, board, books, and special events.” Deadline: March 3.
- Last, but most certainly not least, there’s this update from the Jewish Theological Seminary: “In the aftermath of October 7, Jewish writers have faced significant challenges on multiple fronts. Join us to explore the challenges faced by Jewish writers today and to examine the need for collaborative communities that offer both peer and mentor support. This [March 24] session is a special preview of JTS’s new MFA in creative writing, which will foster an inclusive community of writers from around the world. The low-residency program will offer students the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives, and work with some of the most esteemed Jewish authors in both fiction and nonfiction.”
And, again, updates have continued for both “After October 7: Readings, Recordings, and More” and “Writers, Beware.”
As I prepare this post, there is news of a deal that, B”H, should bring the release of some hostages as “early” as Sunday…which cannot come soon enough. May it be so, and may they all be brought speedily home.
Shabbat shalom.
