Erika Dreifus

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.

• When I noticed holding a “Jewish themed book club/ discussion group” among the activities suggested in connection with this grant opportunity, I knew that I had to share it here: “Now’s your chance to bring people together and let Federation foot the bill! Our Welcoming and Inclusion Initiative offers J•Gather Grants to help you get together with others in Greater MetroWest NJ.” Apply by February 23 for events held in March, April, and May.
• “The Jewish Roots Screenwriters Collective is a new kind of writers lab, designed to help actively working film and TV writers generate stories, characters, and concepts that are rooted in Jewish wisdom, culture, and pride.” You must be a WGA member to apply. Deadline: March 1.
• Speaking of film: Gary Rosenblatt’s latest column is a disturbing—and essential— must-read ahead of the Academy Awards.
• If I didn’t have a conflict, I’d be tuning in for this virtual event: “On February 24, Ukraine will have been fighting off the Russian invasion for four years – longer than it had fought Hitler 80 years ago. Sami Rohr Prize-winning novelist and journalist Sasha Vasilyuk, who grew up in Ukraine, Russia and the US, will join Philissa Cramer, JTA editor in chief, to discuss how Putin’s propaganda weaponizes history, why personal memory work is key to democracy and the link between WWII and today.”
• And please mark your calendars for March 5 and the first event in the “Read with JWI x AAA” series, a partnership between Jewish Women’s International and Artists Against Antisemitism. As a member of AAA’s board, I’ll be moderating an online conversation with Lee Kofman and Tamar Paluch, co-editors of Ruptured, a collection of 36 personal essays by Australian Jewish women reflecting on life after October 7. Registration required.

Shabbat shalom.