When Bob Dylan became the first songwriter to win the Nobel Prize in Literature last October, the internet erupted with reactions ranging from euphoria to dismay.
Until the 1980s, women were a small minority among Hebrew writers. There was Russian-born Rahel Bluwstein (1890–1931), considered the “founding mother” of modern Hebrew poetry by women. Esther Raab (1894–1981) was the first native-born Israeli woman poet, principally known for her rich use of modern Hebrew.
The earliest comedy I remember with any clarity was created by a famous tragic clown, a circus performer whose painted mouth was perpetually turned down in a frown. Left out of the spotlight, he carried a sledgehammer and ran after the other clowns who wouldn’t have anything to do with him.
In his victory speech in 2008, President Obama said, “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, tonight is your answer.” This November, in a New Yorker article titled “It Happened Here,” editor David Remnick recalled Obama’s quote: “A very different answer arrived this Election Day,” he writes. “America is indeed a place where all things are possible: that is its greatest promise and, perhaps, its gravest peril.”
Linda Tucker
Zornberg brings us a Moses who, with his flawed speech and insecure relationship with the Israelites, still brings the divine words to a people in need of spiritual direction.
Susan Wolfe
Tikkun olam promises much and demands comparatively little in the way of sacrifice. This is its greatest strength and, perhaps, its major weakness.
Ellen Wexler
The days of shame about living in America are over. But can this diverse group of immigrants hold onto their culture? And is there a chance that they can become a unified political voice?
Toscano felt proud of Anna, and after many hours he asked her the critical question: “Can I portray you?”
Sarah Breger
The already fraught relationship between the State of Israel and its Bedouin citizens deteriorated even further with recent deadly altercation in the Bedouin village of Umm al-Hiran.
Tami Weiser
Their seemingly modest appearance belies their multicultural significance, manifold incarnations and long history.
Dina Gold
Few people these days are aware that Berlin, in the 1920s and early 1930s, was the capital of the world’s fashion industry. And this illustrious position was almost exclusively thanks to Jewish innovators. But the invaluable contribution of Jewish Germans has been forgotten—until now.
Ellen Wexler
Every year, the National Jewish Book Awards honor noteworthy works of Jewish literature distributed in the United States. This year’s winners, from Michael Chabon to Meir Shalev, include several authors we’ve been following here at Moment.
