Jewish literature is in the midst of a resurgence, which began in the postwar years and has grown even more vibrant as we enter the 21st century. The Jewish book business, once centered in Europe but devastated by World War II, has been reinvigorated here in North America and is again flourishing. In fact, the sheer quantity of volumes published by trade, university, and Jewish publishers attests to the heightened involvement of writers and readers alike.

The preservation, transmission, study, interpretation and celebration of both sacred and secular texts have been, and remain, hallmarks of Jewish civilization. Jewish learning embodied in the printed word has played a crucial role in the development and strengthening of Jewish communities throughout the world.

Since l943, the chief proponent of this tradition in America has been the Jewish Book Council. It is the only organization in the American Jewish community exclusively committed to promoting and advocating for Jewish literature. The Council serves as a catalyst for the writing, publication, distribution, reading and public awareness of books reflecting the rich variety of Jewish experience.




History

The Council's origins date back to 1925, when Fanny Goldstein, a librarian at the West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, set up an exhibit of Judaic books as a focus of what she called Jewish Book Week. In l927, with the assistance of Rabbi S. Felix Mendelsohn of Chicago, Jewish communities around the country adopted the event.

Jewish Book Week proved so successful that in 1940 the National Committee for Jewish Book Week was founded, with Fanny Goldstein as its chairperson. Dr. Mordecai Soltes succeeded her one year later. Representatives of major American Jewish organizations served on this committee, as did groups interested in promulgating Yiddish and Hebrew literature.

Jewish Book Week activities proliferated and were extended to a one-month period in l943. At the same time, the National Committee for Jewish Book Week became the Jewish Book Council, reflecting its broader scope. In March of the following year, the National Jewish Welfare Board, which would ultimately become the Jewish Community Centers Association, entered into an agreement with the Book Council to become its official sponsor and coordinating organization, providing financial support and organizational assistance. This arrangement reflected the realization that local JCCs were the primary site of community book fairs.

While under the auspices of JCC association, the Jewish Book Council maintained an executive board, composed of representatives from major American Jewish organizations and leading figures in the literary world.


The Jewish Book Council Today

On January 1, l994, the Jewish Book Council became an autonomous organization. The new organization is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation chartered in the State of New York. It is supported, to a large degree, by dedicated and interested individuals and foundations in the Jewish community.