Daughters of the Holocaust uncover old stories in new memoirs – J.
Jews place a premium on remembering, and particularly so when it comes to the Holocaust. But how can we recall what we never learned? Two outstanding new memoirs by daughters of Holocaust survivors focus on uncovering the stories of tragedy and survival that were not passed down to them.
Two authors delight in the remnants of generations past
Two authors delight in the remnants of generations past – J.
How can we draw meaning from the remnants of past generations – be they photographs, candlesticks, documents or letters – and squeeze out the stories they tell? It’s a challenge that only increases over time. Hadley Freeman grew up feeling distant from her paternal grandmother, who carried an air of sadness and mystery.
New Jewish poetry books to accompany you through isolation
New Jewish poetry books to accompany you through isolation – J.
Although one of the thrills of poetry is the ability to engage with a fulfilling piece of literature that may take only a minute to read, I’d like to introduce three collections of poetry that I’ve recently enjoyed in which the greater reward lies in reading the whole package.
Newly translated from French, these two Holocaust memoirs are a treasure
Newly translated from French, these two Holocaust memoirs are at reasure
Books coverage is supported by a generous donation from Anne Germanacos. My understanding of the Holocaust has been shaped enormously by the teachers, cousins, friends, and others from Europe who have been part of my life and have shared their experiences before and after World War II.
Leaving Orthodoxy: personal stories of gender and Hasidism
Leaving Orthodoxy: personal stories of gender and Hasidism – J.
Books coverage is supported by a generous donation from Anne Germanacos. For most of us, our gender is such a given that we may not be able to imagine the experiences of those for whom it is a source of struggle. Two memoirs from the tail end of 2019, both of which are written by …
In the 2010s, Jewish children’s books diversified but emphasized classic values
In the 2010s, Jewish children’s books diversified but emphasized classic values – J.
Books coverage is supported by a generous donation from Anne Germanacos. As a new decade arrives, one of my first impulses is to reflect on the one we have just left behind. In the field of Jewish books, it was a decade in which American Jewry started to be reflected more accurately in books for …
Hanukkah gift guide to graphic novels, picture books and young adult novels
Hanukkah gift guide to graphic novels, picture books and young adult novels – J.
The books section is supported by a generous donation from Anne Germanacos As we approach Hanukkah, those of us with kids in our lives may be looking for gift ideas. I want to spotlight some notable Jewish-related books for children published in 2019, beginning with titles for younger children.
Genealogy ‘mavens’ go old-school to uncover Jewish past
Genealogy ‘mavens’ go old-school to uncover Jewish past – J.
Final part of three-part PAST LIVES series on Jewish genealogical research. On a recent Sunday afternoon, Sam Ginsburg sat in a library with a mess of papers scattered in front of him. He was looking for an uncle he had never met, and who was most likely dead.
Two Israeli novelists explore truth and integrity
Two Israeli novelists explore truth and integrity – J.
The books section is supported by a generous donation from Anne Germanacos With all the handwringing about the declining relationship of American Jews to Israel, I sometimes find it striking that literature is rarely part of the discussion. I feel strongly that the work of Israeli writers can be one of our strongest sources of …
Rediscovering S.F.’s pioneering 19th-century ‘girl reporter’
Rediscovering S.F.’s pioneering 19th-century ‘girl reporter’ – J.
The books section is supported by a generous donation from Anne Germanacos “The United States, founded upon the belief that a just government can exist only by the consent of the governed, is calmly making up for the bloody fifth act – preparing to take a nation’s life with all the complacent assurance of an …