Erika Dreifus

But, wait! There’s more to share from the Jewish-lit world this week.

• Remaining with the Jewish Book Council for a moment: I had the opportunity to attend the organization’s National Jewish Book Awards ceremony last week. It was a memorably magnificent evening; check Zibby Owens’s take for a spot-on description.
• Dara Horn’s recent appearance on The Book of Life podcast, occasioned by the publication of her first book for younger readers, may well be my all-time favorite episode of that venerable production. (I’m especially keen to learn more about the new educational project that Horn previews within.)
• Some less-cheerful news: “How Insidious Jew-Hate Is Becoming the Norm in the Arts World” (subheading: “From fashion to comedy, art to literature, music to film, Jewish creatives on both sides of the Atlantic no longer feel safe in the places they once called home.”) Via Siam Goorwich for The Jewish Chronicle.
• However! The Artists Against Antisemitism is working to combat the foregoing! “At a time when antisemitic incidents are at a historic high, leaders and professionals in the arts have a unique responsibility to ensure that our spaces remain inclusive, informed, and safe for all communities—including the Jewish community. That’s why we are inviting anyone who works within the arts to join us for BUILDING BRIDGES, a free virtual event hosted by The Artists Against Antisemitism that will be facilitated by the team at Project Shema.” Direct link to register.
• And if you haven’t yet seen the new October 8 documentary, do try to catch in the theater while you can. It’s important for us to show up for it for many reasons—including to prove that there’s an audience for it. If you don’t yet know about the film, “Why Did Hollywood Ghost a Movie About Antisemitism?”, a recent episode of the Call Me Back podcast, will fill you in.

And, again, updates have continued for both “After October 7: Readings, Recordings, and More” and “Writers, Beware.”

Shabbat shalom.