Nice Jewish Books podcast
Nice Jewish Books is a podcast focusing on adult Jewish fiction. On this podcast, we chat with authors about Jewish literature, historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy, mysteries, works in translation, and more. As long as a book has a Jewish theme, it’s a candidate for our show! This is a project of the Association of Jewish Libraries, the leading authority on Judaica Librarianship,
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Fagin, the Jew; Fagin the Thief; Fagin the Man: a conversation with Allison Epstein
08/14/2025
Fagin, the Jew; Fagin the Thief; Fagin the Man: a conversation with Allison Epstein
When Allison Epstein first saw the musical Oliver!, one character stood out—Fagin. He was the only Jewish character she’d ever seen on stage. But when she later read Dickens' Oliver Twist, her excitement turned to dismay. The Fagin in the novel was a far cry from what she’d hoped: he was a cruel caricature with no backstory, no first name, and no humanity. So, Allison did what writers do best—she rewrote the story. In her novel Fagin the Thief, Allison breathes life into the man Dickens left in the shadows, giving him depth, history, and a voice of his own. Join me on Nice Jewish Books for a thought-provoking conversation with Allison Epstein, as we explore the origins of this reimagined character, the importance of representation, and the joy of reclaiming stories that were never fully told. Follow along with the and check out Allison's Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Who Killed the Rabbi's Wife: a conversation with Saul Golubcow
07/27/2025
Who Killed the Rabbi's Wife: a conversation with Saul Golubcow
Step into the world of mystery, memory, and meaning with author Saul Golubcow. In this compelling interview, Golubcow discusses his gripping works, The Cost of Living and Who Killed the Rabbi’s Wife?—this collection of three novellas and a novel feature Frank Wolf, a Holocaust survivor turned private investigator. Once a philosophy professor, Frank now solves crimes within the Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods of 1970s New York City. Joined by his inquisitive grandson Joel and later his sharp daughter-in-law Aliya, Frank navigates a complex world where Jewish tradition, trauma, and truth collide. Golubcow shares the inspiration behind his characters, the cultural richness of his settings, and how Jewish tradition shapes every clue. Contact the author at: [email protected] Don't miss this conversation with a writer who brings heart and humanity to the detective genre. Follow along with the . Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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2nd grader Mike learns his way around the American Playground: a conversation with Mike Shokrian
06/17/2025
2nd grader Mike learns his way around the American Playground: a conversation with Mike Shokrian
Michel may not be the big man on campus, but he definitely rules his 2nd grade classroom in Tehran and all is well in his world. That is, until his family decides to uproot him and brother Saeed and move the family to Los Angeles. Newly minted as "Mike" he struggles to navigate a new language, new customs, new foods, and most importantly new heirarchies on the playground. Join me for a conversation with Michael Shokrian about his new book American Playground. Follow along with the . Check out his Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Small Moments Made Large in Displaced Persons : a conversation with Joan Leegan
05/26/2025
Small Moments Made Large in Displaced Persons : a conversation with Joan Leegan
In March, Rena Citrin, chair of the Association of Jewish Libraries fiction award, told me (not quite in these words) to get my tush in gear and read Joan Leegant’s excellent short story collection, Displaced Persons. It took two months for it to percolate to the top of my “to be read” pile but I’m thrilled that it did. Her stories are full of relatable people, situations, and humor, not to mention delicious sentences. Follow along with the Check out Joan's and her Tikun Olam inspiration Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Midwives' Escape: a conversation with Maggie Anton
04/15/2025
Midwives' Escape: a conversation with Maggie Anton
It’s Passover! Time to slurp the soup, crunch the matzah, and make jokes about Moses never stopping to ask directions in the desert. It’s also a great time to speak with Maggie Anton about her latest book, the Midwives’ Escape. Through the eyes of the Egyptian midwives, we see what life was like for the Israelites as they learned to transition from a people enslaved to a self-supporting community. Follow along with the Check out Maggie's Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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AJL Fiction Award Winners
03/19/2025
AJL Fiction Award Winners
Every year, the Association of Jewish Libraries Fiction Award committee scours the book world for books with significant Jewish content. They look for extra-ordinary writing, accurate depictions of Jewish life in all its diversity, and contributions to the field of Jewish literature. This month I am excited to speak with Rena Citrin about the lastest winners of this award. See the 2025 . Winner: Songs for the Brokenhearted by Ayelet Tsabari (Random House, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC) Honor: The Hebrew Teacher by Maya Arad, translated by Jessica Cohen (New Vessel Press) Honor: Displaced Persons: Stories by Joan Leegant (New American Press) Honor: Rules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay Shore (Dell, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC) Follow along with the . Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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The Second Journey : an adventurous blend of Jewish & Chinese folklore and wisdom / a conversation with Joel Bigman
01/12/2025
The Second Journey : an adventurous blend of Jewish & Chinese folklore and wisdom / a conversation with Joel Bigman
When the Buddhist monk Xuanzang returned to China from India, bringing back precious Buddhist texts, he thought his traveling days were over. But then he finds an intriguing scrap with writing that he does not recognize. Finally connecting it with the Jewish community in Kaifeng he is implored by the community to go on another journey – this time even further west through Persia and Israel to find and bring back a teacher for the Kaifeng Jews. He is joined by his disciples, the magiFc Monkey and 8 rules Pigsy. Eventually a Jewish man known as Bear acts as a guide and interpreter as they encounter Jewish sages from the Talmud and Midrash. Join me for a conversation with Joel Bigman about this delightful mix of Chinese and Jewish folklore and wisdom in his book, The Second Journey. Follow along with the Connect with him on Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Dangerous Golem? or Man of Her Dreams? A conversation about a Magical Meet Cute with Jean Meltzer
12/20/2024
Dangerous Golem? or Man of Her Dreams? A conversation about a Magical Meet Cute with Jean Meltzer
After her town is carpeted with antisemitic leaflets, ceramic artist Faye finds refuge in her studio and before she knows it, her hands have created the figure of a man. She enscribes all her wishes into the clay and buries it under her rose bushes. The next day she runs into a handsome stranger, knocking him unconscious and giving him amnesia. As she gets to know him, he seems more and more like the man of her dreams. But is he just too good to be true? Or could he be a golem that she created and who just might become dangerous? Find Jean on her Follow along with the . Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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When all else fails ... call the Magic Maker / a conversation with Mickey Dubrow
11/13/2024
When all else fails ... call the Magic Maker / a conversation with Mickey Dubrow
For 100 years the Rosenfelds have been trapped in a time bubble in their tenement apartment on the lower East Side of New York. They can only catch glimpes of the outside world which has no idea that they are there. Until one day, Esther Luna, who works in the building which has now been turned into the Tenement Museum see a girl in the window who smiles and waves at her. After exploring every reasonable explanation, Esther turns to Rabbi Meyer Poppers, a Jewish magician. While he finds the source of the curse, figuring out how to lift it is another matter entirely. And lifting it without killing the Rosenfelds will be even trickier. Follow along with the . Check out other works by Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Will living "With a Good Eye" bring Luna luck? a conversation with Gila Green
10/15/2024
Will living "With a Good Eye" bring Luna luck? a conversation with Gila Green
Luna Levi may have graduated high school, but she is far from any kind of path to success. She works part time at a motel in Ottowa to help support her family since neither parent seem capable of it. Luna's mother has dreams of being a theater star and takes off for weeks at a time to perform in regional productions and her father, suffering from PTSD after serving in the Israel army, lives on the streets. Luna watches her mother try one "get rich quick" scheme after another; each one bring the family further into debt. Her brother Ronen is an eternal optimist who tries to encourage her mother in her various ventures. It is Luna's desperate wish is to lead a responsible life; but will she be able to find her own path? or will she spiral into her mother's schemes? Follow along with the and check our Gila's . Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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How Many Secrets are Behind the Boy with the Star Tattoo / a conversation with Talia Carner
10/05/2024
How Many Secrets are Behind the Boy with the Star Tattoo / a conversation with Talia Carner
Sharon is surrounded by secrets. It is 1968 and she has been recruited to clandestinely bring Israel sailors, soldiers, and engineers to the French port of Cherbourg. She needs to help support them until the last 5 ships which were promised to Israel were fully constructed. Since France has instituted an embargo against Israel, the men would have to smuggle to ships out for the Israeli Navy. On a smaller scale, she learned that her supervisor Daniel had been taken out of Israel as a young child as part of the youth aliyah program. Although Daniel only had thoughts of Israel's future, Sharon became obsessed with learning about his past. The information Sharon discovers could have major consequences on Daniel's life. Join me for a conversation with Talia Carner about her latest book, The Boy with the Star Tattoo. Learn more about Talia on her Follow along with the Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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The Main Character: a conversation with Jaclyn Goldis about secrets, lies, and murder!
09/16/2024
The Main Character: a conversation with Jaclyn Goldis about secrets, lies, and murder!
Genevra Ex is a best-selling mystery author with a major quirk. Instead of inventing new characters, she hires a real-life person to be the main character of her book. The latest hire is a young woman named Rory. After an intensive three months of interviewing, Genevra gifts Rory with a ticket on the newly refurbish Orient Express. After boarding the train, Rory is shocked to find her brother Max, her best friend Caroline, and her ex-fiance Nate. She also finds a manuscript of Genevra's latest novel and a letter with secrets that rock Rory's life. although the trip takes them through gorgeous Italian country-side, tension among the passengers magnifies until it explodes into murder. Follow along with the Connect with Jaclyn through her Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Jewish Emotional Support Books: a conversation with Heidi Rabinowitz and AJL conference attendees
08/31/2024
Jewish Emotional Support Books: a conversation with Heidi Rabinowitz and AJL conference attendees
Heidi Rabinowitz and I both saw a cartoon from the New Yorker in which one spouse was trying to move a pile of tottering books off the other spouses night-stand. The other spouse yelled in alarm (something like) "don't move those - they are my emotional support books!" We were inspired to ask our fellow attendees at the 2024 Association of Jewish Libraries conference to speak about their emotional support books! Follow along with the Enter the drawing for your own personal emotional support book bag! Share a review on social media (such as Facebook or Instagram) or post a review on your podcast platform (such as Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, etc.) Take a screen shot of the review and email it to by Oct. 24 2024 (the ultimate Jewish reading holiday, Simchat Torah) If you can't wait for the drawing or you want to buy one for your friends and family you can get one (or many) at our OUR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT BOOKS Sheryl Stahl: He, She, and It by Marge Piercy Heidi Rabinowitz: When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb Heidi Rabinowitz: Joyful Song: A Naming Story by Lesléa Newman Dara Henry: On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories ed. by Chris Baron, Joshua Levy, and Naomi Milliner A.R. Vishny: Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik David Schlitt: Teitelbaum's Window by Wallace Markfield Sally Weiner Grotta: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Sally Weiner Grotta: The Golden Dreidel by Ellen Kushner Lies Meerboom: The Promise by Chaim Potok Aden Polydoros: A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft Rifka Yerushalmi: What a Beautiful Morning by Arthur A. Levine Sidura Ludwig: Starry Sally J. Freedman as Herself by Judy Blume Elysa Keshen: All Rivers Run to the Sea by Elie Wiesel Susan Dubin: Sisters at Sinai by Jill Hammer and other books about women in the Bible Richard Ho: Happy Hanukkah, Curious George by H.A. Rey Shoshana Traum: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King Shoshana Traum: Jewish Futures: Stories from the World's Oldest Diaspora by Michael A. Burstein Henry Woodall: Maimonides' Commentary on the Mishnah Dina Herbert: The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann. M. Martin Olga Potap: the works of Sholem Aleichem Daniel Scheide: the works of William Morris Jane Rothstein: All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor Sally Stieglitz: Sandwich by Catherine Newman Michal Babay: the works of Harlan Coban Xandra O'Neill: Golemcrafters by Emi Watanabe Cohen Bette Stahl: Jewish Cookbooks David Stahl: A Torah Commentary for Our Times by Harvey J. Fields Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Jackpot Summer! a conversation with Elyssa Friedlander
08/13/2024
Jackpot Summer! a conversation with Elyssa Friedlander
Whether you play the lottery or not, I think that all of us dream about what we would do if we won a major jackpot. This is what happened to three out of the four Jacobson siblings. Matthew, Laura, Sophie, and Noah were gathered to pack up the family summer house on Long Beach Island, when Noah announced he was going out and would be buying a lottery ticket. Laura and Sophie jumped to go in on the tickets, while Matthew flatly refused. They were all completely shocked to find that one of their tickets was a winner. The three winning siblings quickly set about spending the money. They found that becoming overnight millionaires brought more complications into their lives than they possibly could have projected. Join me for a conversation with Ellyssa Friedland about her latest work, Jackpot Summer. Follow along with the . Check out her Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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What Will be Found in the Cave of Secrets: a Conversation with Lynne Golodner
07/10/2024
What Will be Found in the Cave of Secrets: a Conversation with Lynne Golodner
Eve is only looking for some shelter from the rain, but what she finds will change her work, her heart, and her life. In a small cave in the Scottish highlands, Eve finds a journal written in as a series of letters from a woman named Shira to her lover Benjamin. Eve realized that the letters contain secrets about the family of her new love Mac. What secrets are revealed and can Eve and Mac's love survive? Join me for a conversation with Lynne Golodner about her latest book, Cave of Secrets. Find the author at her , her and her social media , , and Follow along with the Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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The Hebrew Teacher: three novellas by Mara Arad
06/17/2024
The Hebrew Teacher: three novellas by Mara Arad
Often we just want to connect with all the people around us and fix any problems we see. In the Hebrew Teacher, a collection of three novellas, people attempt to do this in very different situations. But sometimes, other people see the problem from a different perspective, or the problem is not what it seems. And to connect with someone else, they need to want to connect back with you. Join me for a conversation with Maya Arad about navigating life, jobs, and family. Follow along with the Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Two Girls: One Lives in Manhattan, the Other in a Parable. A discussion about To and Fro with Leah Hager Cohen
05/13/2024
Two Girls: One Lives in Manhattan, the Other in a Parable. A discussion about To and Fro with Leah Hager Cohen
. Annamae lives in New York with her brother and linguist mother. She yearns for connection and feels that someone will show up to take her away to where she is supposed to be. In the meantime, she pours her thoughts and dreams into her diary. Ani lives on a homestead which is a safe place for misfits and homeless. One day, the Captain, one of the long time residents, hears a call and just walks away to follow it. When Ani realizes that he forgot his treasured journal, she attempts to follow him to him to return it. Each girl is growing into her identity and finding her place in her family, community, and world. Join me for a conversation with Leah Hager Cohen about her book (or books!) To and Fro. Follow along with the and check out her Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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RAS Award Winner: Early Jewish Cookbooks: Essays on Hungarian Jewish Gastronomical History
04/16/2024
RAS Award Winner: Early Jewish Cookbooks: Essays on Hungarian Jewish Gastronomical History
Every year the Research, Archive, and Special libraries division of the Association of Jewish Libraries (otherwise known as RAS) gives awards for excellence in Reference and in Bibliography. Since these are obviously not fiction, they wouldn’t ordinarily be a candidate for this podcast. But I got an opportunity to share the interview with last year’s bibliography winner that I found too delicious to pass up. The bibliography award focuses on books written about other books. In the case, the winner Adras Koerner won for this work Early Jewish Cookbooks: Essay on Hungarian Jewish Gastronomical History. Join me at Nice Jewish books to listen to RAS vice president Eitan Kensky and author Andras Koerner discuss Jewish food, cookbooks and culture. Follow along with the transcript. Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Could we adjust Once We Were Home? a conversation with Jennifer Rosner
03/14/2024
Could we adjust Once We Were Home? a conversation with Jennifer Rosner
During the Holocaust, desperate Jewish parents placed their children with Christian families and in convents in the hope that the children would survive the war. After the war, Jewish organizations went to reclaim these children to be raised in the Jewish community. But how did the children deal with yet another displacement. Join me for a conversation with Jennifer Rosner. Follow along with the Find out more on the author's Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Discovering the mysteries in Our Little Histories : a conversation with Janice Weizman
02/19/2024
Discovering the mysteries in Our Little Histories : a conversation with Janice Weizman
We start in a familiar place, in contemporary Chicago, where Jennifer, a museum curator, is asked to go to Belarus to create a living installation of Jewish life there before the Holocaust. She invites a distant cousin to participate, and she brings with her an old Yiddish literary magazine to use as a prop in the installment. In each chapter we move backward in time. As the settings become less familiar to us, we see the cousin relationships getting closer and see that there is a poem in the journal that is directed at three brothers in the family. The triplets had been separated at a young age. To find out why, and what the poem has to do with it, we must travel back further in time. Join me on this journey of Our Little Histories by Janice Weizman Check out her Jewish fiction which focuses on literature from small presses. Follow along with the Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Can a kid survive the turmoil of the 70s as well as his Bar Mitsvah? Adam Unrehearsed with Don Futterman
01/18/2024
Can a kid survive the turmoil of the 70s as well as his Bar Mitsvah? Adam Unrehearsed with Don Futterman
Adam is a twelve year old boy preparing for his bar mitzvah in Flushing New York in the early 1970. In many ways, he is a typical kid, trying to fit in at school, but also trying to find himself and find ways to stand out. But his year is off to a difficult start when his parents decide to move the family to a different neighborhood and at the same time his best friend decides to ghost him. Can Adam make new friends, find his people, and survive his bar mitzvah? Join me for a conversation with author Don Futterman about Adam Unrehearsed. Find the author's and Don supports the residents and rebuilding of and the Follow along with the . Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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New Translations of Yiddish Literature
12/12/2023
New Translations of Yiddish Literature
While the body of Yiddish literature is vast, many people still think of Tevye the milkman, trudging along with his lame horse and arguing with God. But the many new translations of Yiddish fiction show the breadth and depth of the settings, characters, and topics covered as well as the many different voices of the authors. This past fall, Nice Jewish Books in conjunction with AJL presents, gathered three amazing scholars to speak about the past, present, and future of Yiddish literature and especially Yiddish literature in translation. Yermiyahu Ahron Taub, poet, writer, and translater; translator Mindy Liberman, and Ellen Cassedy, a translator, author and activist, discussed the resurgence of interest in Yiddish literature and their own particular projects. Follow along with the transcript. Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Links from the chat: Yermiyahu's website : Ellen's website: Mindy in geveb: Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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The Last Jewish Daughter of Kaifeng : a conversation with graphic novelist Fabrice Sapolsky
11/03/2023
The Last Jewish Daughter of Kaifeng : a conversation with graphic novelist Fabrice Sapolsky
Leah is not your typical Chinese-Jewish owner of a kosher Chinese restaurant. She is also a woman on the run from Yuk-Wong, a drug lord determined to marry her against her will. And if that wasn't enough drama in her life, she is also the host/recipient of the Spirit of Water with all the powers that entails. When Yuk-Wong's minions find her in New York, she decides to return to China and face her figurative and literal demons. Join me for a conversation with graphic artist Fabrice Sapolsky about this second story of the Intertwined universe, The Last Jewish Daughter of Kaifeng. Follow along with the . Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Check out these links from Fabrice Sapolsky: The Jewish Comic Experience at the Center for Jewish History Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Straddling Black & White: the travails of the Ethiopian Jews with author Kim Salzman
10/09/2023
Straddling Black & White: the travails of the Ethiopian Jews with author Kim Salzman
When people think of Operation Moses, they usually think of a plane full of Ethiopian Jews, the Beta Israel, arriving in Israel. But their journey started long before the plane ride and continued for years after arriving. Kim Salzman follows a single family as they journey in three groups from Ethiopia to Sudan, to Israel, and into the Israeli absorption centers. They each endure a physically dangerous and emotional wrenching journey. Follow along with the Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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Irena Klepfisz discusses Her Birth and Later Years with guest host Yermiyahu Ahron Taub
09/13/2023
Irena Klepfisz discusses Her Birth and Later Years with guest host Yermiyahu Ahron Taub
Lesbian, poet, activist, and Yiddishist Irena Klepfisz speaks about her lastest book, Her Birth and Later Years : New and Collected Poems, 1971-2021 with Yermiyahu Ahron Taub. Yermiyahu is a poet and Yiddishist in his own right. He and Irena have been friends for years. They speak about her process of writing and her use of Yiddish in her work as well as the legacy of her parents and extended family. Follow along with the . Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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We are not Strangers: Friendship between the Jews & Japanese in WWII era Seattle, a conversation with Josh Tuininga
08/13/2023
We are not Strangers: Friendship between the Jews & Japanese in WWII era Seattle, a conversation with Josh Tuininga
During World War 11, Japanese citizens were rounded up and sent to internment camps. When they were finally released, the vast majority had lost their homes and businesses. In the upcoming episode of Nice Jewish Books, I speak with Josh Tuininga about one of the rare exceptions to this appalling situation. Josh focuses on the Sephardic Jewish community in Seattle, Washington where the friendship between Marco Calvo and members of the Japanese community rippled through the generations. Follow along with the Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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On the Run in a House with Chicken-feet: a discussion Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott
07/12/2023
On the Run in a House with Chicken-feet: a discussion Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott
If I told you that this episode was going to be about a house which ran around on chicken legs, you might assume that this should belong to an odd looking children’s book. But NO! This is a full-fledged intruiguing adult adventure. When the Yaga siblings inherit their grandmother’s house, they set off on a journey to hide from the mysterious man who is stalking the house, discover themselves, and oh yes, create puppet shows along the way. Listen in to Hannah Srour-Zackon’s interview of GennaRose Northcott about her AJL honor winning book, Thistlefoot. Follow along with the Follow GennaRose on Instagram #gennarosenethercott Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
/episode/index/show/nicejewishbooks/id/27430296
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Coming out in Florida ... Can love triumph? A discussion with Jacob Gelman about Butterflies in the Endzone
06/21/2023
Coming out in Florida ... Can love triumph? A discussion with Jacob Gelman about Butterflies in the Endzone
When Jamie's family moves from a liberal Jewish area of San Francisco to a conservative area of Florida, he decides to go back into the closet. But when he meets Alex, the football star, sparks fly between them which un-nerves both of the teens. Can they work out their feelings for each other while navigating homophobia? Join me for a conversation with Jacob Gelman. Follow along with the Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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What are the Shadows We Carry? A conversation with Meryl Ain
06/08/2023
What are the Shadows We Carry? A conversation with Meryl Ain
Twins JoJo and Bronka are coming of age in the United States in the 1960s. Daughters of Orthodox Jewish parents, they both have dreams and ambitions; JoJo of becoming an actress and Bronka of becoming an journalist. But shadows follow them: their parents' holocaust experience, US politics, neo-Nazis, sexism, and an unplanned pregnancy. Join me for a conversation with Meryl Ain, author of the Shadows We Carry. Follow along with the Connect with Meryl through her website and and enjoy her Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
/episode/index/show/nicejewishbooks/id/27043098
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Can this young Jewish Syrian woman find her way out of the Marriage Box? A conversation with Corie Adjmi
05/14/2023
Can this young Jewish Syrian woman find her way out of the Marriage Box? A conversation with Corie Adjmi
Casey is a teenager living in New Orleans, when her parents decide that she is getting into too much trouble. They move the family back to Brooklyn to be closer to their Orthodox Jewish Syrian community. But will she end up trapped in the Marriage Box? Join me for a conversation with author Corie Adjmi. Follow along with the Connect with Corie at Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, , a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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