Jewish Literary Links for Shabbat

by Erika Dreifus on
2

Photo Credit: Reut Miryam Cohen

Every Friday morning My Machberet presents an assortment of Jewish-interest links, primarily of the literary variety.

  • The new issue of The Tower includes a terrific profile of author Ruchama King Feuerman, by Beth Kissileff.
  • Another take on the new Philip Roth biography, this time from Adam Kirsch.
  • For Tablet, Tova Ross examines “ex-frum” memoirs.
  • Also on Tablet: An unusual essay about Art Spiegelman and Maus, by David Van Biema.
  • New resource for those interested in creating some of their own Jewish writing: The Whole Megillah LLC

    • Shabbat shalom.

    Wednesday’s WIP: Tips for New Book Reviewers

    by Erika Dreifus on
    2

    booksMore than once this week, I’ve had reason to revisit an old post, one that suggests ways to locate forthcoming books for review assignments. (Note the adjective “forthcoming”; many publications plan book coverage weeks if not months ahead of time.) I’m inspired to share the post anew while adding that if I were writing it for the first time, I’d mention Edelweiss, which has become a go-to resource for me to locate publishers’ catalogs and digital review copies. I can also point you today to other resources that have crossed my radar this week: articles filled with previews of books coming in 2014. Some stretch pretty far into 2014 and may give you some new review ideas.

  • “30 Books You Need to Read in 2014”
  • Most Anticipated: The Great 2014 Book Preview”
  • JBC Bookshelf: Spring 2014 Jewish Book Preview (and don’t forget my own, much less expansive “Five Jewish Books for 2014”)

    • Any other lists you’ve seen lately that you’d recommend? Other ideas for finding books to review?

    Coming Soon: TuBishVanya

    by Erika Dreifus on
    Disabled

    It doesn’t look as though my own #MakeItHappen idea is going to go through, but here’s an update about one funded project that caught my attention and may appeal to you as well. 

    Dear 24/6 Audience and Friends,

    As some of you may know, we’ve been working on an adaptation of Chekov’s Uncle Vanya combining it with a traditional Tu Bishvat seder. We’re thrilled to announce that we won the Schusterman Foundation’s Make It Happen micro-grant and will be premiering our Vanya at the JCC in Manhattan on Wednesday January 15th, 2013. To purchase tickets to the opening night performance go to: http://www.jccmanhattan.org/holidays?page=cat-content.

    Uncle Vanya will have three more subsequent performances:

  • Thursday January 16th, 2013 we will be performing at NYU – location and information to be announced soon.
  • Sunday January 19th and Monday January 20th, 2013, we will be performing at Manhattan Theatre Club Studios, 311 43rd Street 8th Floor. Sunday at 1:30 pm and Monday at  7:30pm. Tickets are $15 if you RSVP in advance, and $20 at the door. To rsvp email us at twentyfoursix@hotmail.com.

    • 24/6: A Jewish Theater Company has a lot of exciting work planned for 2014 and to ensure our work goes on, we ask for your help. [Support us] with a tax-deductible contribution either via  credit card at this link: https://www.thefield.org/Profile.aspx?SAID=2323 or for information how to contribute via check here: http://twentyfoursix.weebly.com/support-us.html.

    Every donation great and small helps. We thank you in advance!

    Wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2014!

    Sincerely,
    Yoni Oppenheim
    Avi Soroka
    Co-Artistic Directors
    24/6: A Jewish Theater Company

    Uncle Vanya was made possible by a #MakeItHappen micro grant.#MakeItHappen is a global initiative of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Philanthropic Network. For more information, visit makeithappen.schusterman.org

    Reprinted w/permission