Books

A pro-Israel bookshelf: Top book recommendations by a veteran reviewer

Dedicated readers, I thought, might welcome the chance to learn about books and authors they could have overlooked.

Selection of best selling books in Hebrew language displayed at a bookstore in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 2, 2023
My own reality slap was made more painful by my inability to accept that it had occurred.

Facing the reality slap: coping when life doesn’t go as planned - opinion

“Neshama,” Marcella Pixley’s novel-in-verse, won the gold medal for Jewish children’s literature for middle-grade readers from the Association of Jewish Libraries.

Stories of ghosts, grief and Shabbat gladness win top prizes in Jewish children’s literature

'Pride and Prejudice' was first brought to the silver screen in 1940, and was reprised in 2005.

250 years later, Jane Austen lives on at the Jerusalem Cinematheque


'The Writers' Castle': Nazis at Nuremberg, impossible to defend - review

Uwe Neumahr provides an engaging account of the experiences (and sexual liaisons) of more than a dozen reporters in Nuremberg, their varied responses to the trial.

AT A solemn session in Berlin, representatives of various nations hand over to the tribunal their indictments in the Nuremberg Trials.

Jerusalem highlights: October 31-November 6

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

Adraba Bookstore

Philip Roth’s latest biographer wants Jews to read him again, without the guilt 

Stanford historian Steven J. Zipperstein had already begun work on the biography before the author died in 2018, arguing why Roth remains relevant and vital, especially to current Jewish discourse.

Steven J. Zipperstein said his training as a historian helped him separate truth from fiction in writing his biography of Roth.

'Frequencies of Deceit': Propaganda broadcasting in the heyday of the radio age - review

From the previously under-appreciated source of radio broadcasting, Margaret Peacock sheds new light on how and why today’s Middle East has developed.

KING GEORGE V delivers the 1934 Royal Christmas Message on BBC Radio.

'The Jewish South': Comfort and discomfort of southern Jewry - review

Most pioneering is her description of the Jews’ participation in the Confederate government and army, pinpointing by name the Jewish “rebels” serving in the army.

BETH ISRAEL Synagogue in Macon, Georgia, circa 1876.

Katherine Janus Kahn, illustrator of ‘Sammy Spider’ Jewish children’s books, dies at 83

Janus Kahn, a fine artist also noted for her works on political justice and women’s issues, illustrated more than 50 books for Kar-Ben, a publishing house for Jewish children’s books.

Katherine Janus Kahn, the illustrator of the Sammy Spider Jewish children's books, speaks about her work in a 2013 video.

‘A Call at 4 AM': Extracts from Amit Segal's magnum opus on Israel's leaders

In 'A Call at 4 AM: Thirteen Prime Ministers and the Crucial Decisions That Shaped Israeli Politics,' journalist and media personality Amit Segal offers a fisheye view of Israeli politics.

AMIT SEGAL at work in the Knesset.

US military base cancels event celebrating Jewish woman cyclist, cites DEI claims

The incident is the latest example of a broad crackdown on diversity initiatives that have pushed out Jewish representation.

The cover of "Pedal Pusher" by Mary Boone; the author at a book fair.

'Hostage': Eli Sharabi’s account of his captivity by Hamas - review

Two men grabbed Sharabi and dragged him out barefoot. He yelled to his family, promising to return. A terrorist hit him, causing his glasses to fall to the ground. He was beaten and kicked.

Eli Sharabi greets supporters, alongside Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon (behind him, next to the flag), as he arrives to address the UN Security Council in New York York City, in March.

Hebrew Union College, Ohio AG reach deal to protect 600,000 rare books, papers in Jewish collection

The collection contains Biblical codices, illuminated manuscripts, communal records, legal documents, scientific tracts, and incunabula.

 Hebrew Pentateuch (from 900-1188) written in typical Hebrew oriental book hand.