#USA #New York #Jewish Book Council #Nu Reads #Tova Mirvis

Jewish Book Council Launches Nu Reads: A New Subscription Book Series

The Jewish Book Council (JBC) recently announced an exciting initiative with the launch of Nu Reads, a bi-monthly subscription program dedicated to showcasing exceptional Jewish literature. This program aims not only to deliver books to readers’ doorsteps but also to cultivate a vibrant community around Jewish storytelling.

A Unique Offering for Literature Enthusiasts

Nu Reads is designed to engage readers with curated selections of Jewish novels, memoirs, and short stories. Subscribers will receive not just any book but a signed edition, heightening the connection to the authors and their narratives:

1. Happy New Years by Maya Arad
2. The Boy from the North Country by Sam Sussman

Each subscription box will include The Nu Edition, a companion booklet that features a personal letter from the author, interviews, discussion prompts, and creative bonus elements such as custom bookmarks and artist collaborations. Additionally, subscribers will gain exclusive access to live discussions with the authors, providing meaningful interaction and deepening their understanding of the literature.

Building Community Through Literature

According to Naomi Firestone-Teeter, CEO of Jewish Book Council, Nu Reads seeks to foster a sense of community among readers. At a time when individuals are increasingly looking for connection, this initiative provides an accessible platform for discussing significant Jewish themes and experiences. It serves as a resource for community leaders and a mechanism to promote Jewish authors and their works.

Tova Mirvis, the writer-in-residence for Nu Reads, emphasized that Jewish literature represents more than mere words; it encompasses conversations that span generations. The program invites readers into this ongoing dialogue, creating personal, communal, and Jewish connections through stories.

Celebrating a Legacy of Jewish Literature

The launch of Nu Reads coincides with JBC’s centenary celebration of Jewish Book Month, which honors the organization’s century-long commitment to promoting Jewish literature. The celebrations will include a pop-up bookstore in New York City’s Lower East Side, as well as virtual events that showcase various authors in Jewish day schools.

The JBC was born from the vision of Fanny Goldstein, the first Jewish female librarian in the United States, who organized the first Jewish Book Week in Boston in 1925. Over the past hundred years, it has evolved from grassroots efforts into a national movement, bringing Jewish literature into synagogues, community centers, and into homes across America.

Currently, JBC is the oldest organization dedicated entirely to promoting Jewish literature, overseeing programs that include the National Jewish Book Awards and the new Nu Reads platform. These initiatives strive to uplift Jewish voices, preserve cultural memories, and inspire future generations.

As Jewish Book Council President Elisa Spungen Bildner remarked, Nu Reads represents an investment in the future of Jewish literature, thereby ensuring that Jewish stories not only survive but thrive.

The Future of Jewish Storytelling

With Nu Reads, the Jewish Book Council is reaffirming its mission, focusing on nurturing new readers and strengthening the ecosystem of Jewish narratives for years to come. For further information about Nu Reads, visit www.nureads.org and follow the initiative on Instagram at @nureadsjbc. Join the conversation around Jewish literature and become part of a community that appreciates and celebrates these vital stories.

Whether you are a long-time reader of Jewish literature or are just beginning to explore its captivating richness, Nu Reads provides an inviting pathway to immerse yourself in storytelling that resonates with cultural significance and personal connection. Embrace this opportunity to deepen your engagement with Jewish narratives and to forge new relationships through shared literary explorations.