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.

Settle in, everyone. There’s a lot to share here this week.

• Let’s start with some good news, shall we? Mazal tov to the winners and other honorees (including many people I know!) whose work has been recognized by the latest Simon Rockower Awards for Jewish Journalism. (Pro tip: If you’re seeking to discover new places to read Jewish work—or publish or publicize your own—the awards list may well point you to some outlets you’re not currently aware of.)
• I (almost) couldn’t believe the paucity of Jewish representation within a new memoir-focused Immigrant Heritage Month reading list from the New York Public Library. So, over on Bookshop, I created a list of my own (and yes, the intro text there links to the NYPL’s list as well). If you’re on Twitter, you’ll note some additional list-related comments threaded here.
• From the Department of In Case You Missed It: Yesterday I shared a number of current Jewish writing opportunities right here on My Machberet, and last weekend I chose a meaningful line from a book by Norman H. Finkelstein (z’l) for my #SundaySentence.
• Eloquent literary impressions—and other insights—from Israel, courtesy of 1) Vivian Cohen-Leisorek; 2) Julie Zuckerman; and 3) Joan Leegant (via the Jewish Book Council).
• And in related news: It’s been another week bringing tragic updates from Israel. Given my own travels to and my congregation’s connection with the Kibbutz Nir Oz community, I have been especially devastated by news of the deaths in Hamas captivity of several members of their community—in addition to the announcement that the remains of another kibbutz resident, who had been presumed hostage, had been identified in Israel. Among the hostages now known to be no longer alive is poet Amiram Cooper, 84, whom I wrote about on My Machberet back in January. Although I’m not alone among Jewish writers in expressing grief over this terrible development, the larger literary community has, again, remained conspicuously silent—in marked contrast to the outpourings of concern for Palestinian colleagues. May the memories of Amiram Cooper, Chaim Peri, Yoram Metzger, and Dolev Yahud (all of Kibbutz Nir Oz) and Nadav Popplewell (of Kibbutz Nirim) all be a blessing. May their families (who include former hostages) know no further sorrow. And may all those hostages still suffering in Gaza—among whom there are, yes, still other writers—be released and brought home NOW.

I have continued to update the “After October 7: Readings, Recordings, and More” document-in-progress. Check also cautionary information (also, alas, updated this week) as compiled under the title “Writers, Beware.”

Shabbat shalom.