Notes from Around the Web/Twitter

Benjamin Ivry's account of the disinvitation of Israeli writer and translator Esther Orner from an academic conference in France motivated me to respond: I immediately ordered two of Orner's books from Amazon.fr.
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Also from Monsieur Ivry: an intriguing description of a new play, "an imaginary conversation between [Georges] Mandel and [Léon] Blum when, during Germany’s occupation of France, both were imprisoned at Buchenwald." What can I say--this appeals to the historian-of-twentieth-century-France in me.
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Barbara Krasner provides a report on the first annual New York Sephardic Book Fair.
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Some new Jewish poetry has been posted over on the New Vilna Review's website. See especially Matthew Hartmann's "Warsaw is Burning."
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If you're between the ages of 22 and 35 you are eligible for an incredible opportunity: a "Writers' Seminar on the Jewish People," led by Samuel Freedman. (I'll 'fess up and admit that I tried [unsuccessfully] to gain admission the last time this seminar was offered...although I was already beyond 35!) There's no application fee, and you have until September 5 to apply. (Thanks to our friends at the Jewish Book Council for the news about this year's seminar.)
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Moment magazine is looking for an Assistant Editor. Details here.
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Oh, have you heard that Gary Shteyngart has a new novel out? I laughed a little when I saw this tidbit on Twitter: "SUPER SAD Moving Up List: Another day, another review, or two, for Gary Shteyngart’s satiric Super Sad True Love S... http://bit.ly/b3YhON" (source: earlyword). The publicity for this book has been incredible! I have to admit I am getting curiouser and curiouser...and the book is on my tbr list.

Shabbat shalom!

Notes from Around the Web

The always-sagacious Josh Lambert rounds up a group of "beach reads" for Tablet.
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The New York Times follows up on the brouhaha surrounding a new play, Imagining Madoff.
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Benjamin Ivry writes about Frédéric Chouraki's new novel, La Guerre de Kippour (the subject matter isn't quite what you may guess from the title).
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The Poetry Foundation takes note of a collection of Yiddish poetry (translated by Dr. Sarah Traister Moskovitz) originally written by Jews who were trapped in the Warsaw ghetto.
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Sarah Seltzer reflects on being the only Jew in her MFA program's incoming cohort. Brought back quite a few memories of my own similar experience. (via @JewishMuse)
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Paid internship opportunities at Tablet magazine.
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And still more from Tablet: Rachel Shukert (whose work I've mentioned here in the past) has a new book out, and Tablet is co-hosting a celebration next Tuesday.

Shabbat shalom!

Moment Magazine Seeks Features Editor

"Moment Magazine seeks an experienced features editor. This editor works closely and collaboratively with other editors and writers to steer Moment’s inventive, well-researched and descriptive articles from story ideas to print. Past articles include a profile of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, the first in a ground-breaking series on Israel’s Arab citizens, a letter from Burma and the 2010 Symposium featuring Mel Brooks, Leonard Nimoy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and many more. The perfect candidate will be a well-rounded, inquisitive, patient, friendly individual who will work tirelessly to turn good ideas into great stories and do much more in our small office. Four-six years of magazine experience. Knowledge of Jewish/Middle East politics, culture, history and religion is helpful. Moment Magazine is a national independent publication of Jewish politics, religion and culture co-founded in 1975 by Elie Wiesel and Leonard Fein. This is a wonderful opportunity to join the team of a magazine Slate calls a 'must read.' Salary is competitive with other nonprofit publications and commensurate with experience." More info/application instructions here.

Notes from Around the Web

Author Allison Amend blogs for the JBC/MJL Author Blog series on Jews in odd places and on the real-life store that inspired a fictional one in her new novel, Stations West.
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Tablet Magazine is looking for a part-time (25 hrs/week) publicist/outreach coordinator.
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Assaf Gavron's Almost Dead (translated with James Lever by the author) is already on my tbr list, and I was pleased to see it reviewed favorably on the Three Percent website.
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Barbara Krasner gives a report on her recent research trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
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Jordana Horn reviews a "puppet show about Auschwitz." Read the review--all the way to the end.
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Looking for more weekend reading material? This week, the American Jewish Press Association announced its latest Rockower Awards for Excellence in Jewish Journalism. You can download/read winning journalism in nearly 20 categories.

Shabbat Shalom!

Notes from Around the Web (and Twitter)

There's some impressive new poetry posted on the New Vilna Review website.
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Happy Birthday to Herman Wouk (he turned 95 yesterday).
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This is a very informative article by The Jewish Week's Eric Herschthal on U.S. availability of Israeli fiction in translation. It's true that more than once, I've relied on my ability to read French to access Israeli writing when it was unavailable in English. And at the moment, I'm working on a review of a translated Israeli novel, so Herschthal's article seems especially timely and raises some particularly interesting issues for me.
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From the Religious Action Center (@theRAC): "We're hiring! Know of someone who might make the perfect RAC Press Secretary? Help us spread the word!http://rac.org/aboutrac/job/."
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On the Forward's "Sisterhood" blog, Renee Ghert-Zand writes about Katie Orenstein's Op-Ed Project.
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New Twin Cities Jewish arts resource: diaTribe.
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One of my forthcoming poems alludes to this sad piece of history, noted on the @HolocaustMuseum Twitter feed: "5/27/39: Jewish refugees on St. Louis ship are denied entry at Havana & are forced to return to Europe. C film footage: http://j.mp/dAwJSb." For that matter, a short story I wrote many years ago mentioned it, too. An unforgettable and tragic episode.

MyJewishLearning.com Seeks an Assistant Editor

From JewishJobs.com:

"MyJewishLearning.com, the leading transdenominational Jewish website, is seeking an assistant editor to work for an exciting new site for parents.

The site will deal with serious issues like infertility, rituals like circumcision, and fun things like books, music, and food. The target audience is Jews and parents of Jewish children ages 0-5, so pre-pregnancy through preschool.

The editor's tasks will include conceiving stories ideas; creating, gathering, and editing innovative content; developing newsletters; researching New York-based parenting resources, loading articles to the site; and working with freelance writers.

The ideal candidate should be eager, able to work independently, and have a considerable knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions. Candidates also should have experience writing and editing for web publications, with significant familiarity with a CMS, Photoshop, and Wordpress. This is a New York-based position, for 15 hours a week."

Notes from Around the Web

For personal and other reasons, I point you this Forward article on "Holocaust Remembrance at a Distance," about the artistic and other work coming from the "Third Generation," grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. I place myself at the oldest end of this spectrum--I'm older than anyone cited as "3G" in the article--and in some ways, I suspect I don't adhere to the model sketched out here.
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Another article on the new Jewish Review of Books, this time by Mark Oppenheimer for The New York Times--and also covering Books & Culture, a Christian-focused publication.
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Some interesting job postings: The International Fellowship of Christians & Jews (Chicago) is looking for a Senior Editor, the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (Rockville, Md.) seeks a Hebrew Librarian, and MyJewishLearning.com (New York City) is looking for a (paid) intern to work on a new parenting site.

Simon Family JCC (Va.) Seeks Cultural Arts Director

"The Simon Family JCC in Virginia Beach, VA is seeking a Cultural Arts Director. This full-time position seeks to convey the organization’s mission, vision and values through the design, production and implementation of Jewish cultural arts programming. The programming is not limited by budget but by one’s creativity. Successful candidate should be committed to, and knowledgeable of, Jewish heritage, culture, religion and values. They must also have an excellent background in conceptualizing, staging and implementation of cultural events. A minimum of bachelor’s degree is required in visual or performing arts, communication, media, or related field. Person must have a strong ability to engage with community, assess cultural interests and program accordingly. Person will play important role in increasing Simon Family JCC membership and fundraising through the implementation of a successful cultural arts calendar."

JewishBoston.com Seeks Associate Editor

"JewishBoston.com, a new website serving the Greater Boston Jewish community, is looking for an talented blogger, social media addict, and online editor to develop and manage our content strategy. The Associate Editor will help recruit a community of bloggers and ensure an ongoing flow of user and organizational generated content. On a daily basis, the Associate Editor will take the lead on featuring events, curating blog posts, and moderating comments. In addition, the editor will write and edit JewishBoston posts, create the editorial calendar and drive our Facebook and Twitter presence. The editor will be part of a small entrepreneurial team responsible for the ongoing development and growth of the site."

Editor Sought for JewishBoston.com

"You…

Talented writer and editor. In love with words, blogs, and writings. Outgoing and active. Connected to the Jewish community. Deeply embedded in and enthralled by social media.

Us…

Launching in March 2010, JewishBoston.com will make it easy for more and more people to participate in Jewish life in Boston. Key features: Events and online registration, organizational and program directory, and community blogging. Interfaces with Facebook, Twitter, and the social web. Useful to everyone in the community, the site is especially targeted to young adults and families with young children.

The job…

On a daily basis, you’ll take the lead on featuring events, blog posts and organizations. You’ll keep the civil community together by moderating the site and encouraging contributions. You’ll write and edit JewishBoston posts. You’ll help recruit a community of bloggers and ensure an ongoing flow of user and organizational generated content. You'll work with our community manager to teach Jewish organizations throughout Boston how to effectively communicate through the site. On a weekly basis, you’ll run the editorial meeting. Together we’ll review metrics, set goals, track progress, and plan the ongoing improvement of the site. Over time, you'll help shape the growth and direction of the site.

You will be reporting to the Director of JewishBoston.com and working in downtown Boston."

For more info and application instructions, click here.

The Forward Seeks Freelancers

From JournalismJobs.com:

"The Forward, a prestigious national Jewish newspaper founded in 1897, is developing a network of freelance reporters available to cover stories in major urban centers, such as Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Boston for our English language edition. We are also interested in writers based abroad. We are looking for journalists able to pitch ideas and accept short-notice assignments on issues of interest to our readers who can tell the story in generally 800-1,200 words. These include stories dealing with Judaism, religion and spirituality, labor, civil rights, interethnic and interfaith relations, U.S.-Israel relations and Middle East-related activism, Jewish culture and arts, and personality profiles. A willingness to work with editors to hone stories to a fine point of clarity is a must."

Notes from Around the Web

Another excellent books column from Josh Lambert, this time focusing on scholarly writing about the Holocaust.
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Over on the Jewish Book Council blog, Michael Idov describes the challenge of translating his own novel.
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If you're in New York City tomorrow evening, you can catch "Blessed is the Match," an award-winning documentary about Hannah Senesh, at the CUNY Graduate Center (free event).
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Thanks to Naomi Firestone for pointing out this super-interesting job opportunity with the Jewish Publication Society in Philadelphia.

Notes from Around the Web

The National Yiddish Book Center is planning a Fall Cultural Encounter Weekend from November 6-9, 2009. The event's theme will be "Becoming Americans: A Mosaic of Immigrant Writers." It looks pretty tempting (if only I didn't have to stay here in NYC November 6). Note that "limited scholarships are available for full-time college and graduate students."
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Thanks so much to Naomi Firestone of the Jewish Book Council for posting about a new newsletter from the Institute for the Translation of Hebrew Literature. What a great find.
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Behrman House, a New Jersey-based Judaica publishers, is looking for an Executive Editor.
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I've seen several reviews of Francine Prose's new book, Anne Frank: The Book, the Life, the Afterlife. At least equally interesting is this audio feature from Tablet, in which Prose herself discusses the work.

National Yiddish Book Center Launches Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program

From the National Yiddish Book Center Web site:

The National Yiddish Book Center has openings for two Post-Baccalaurate Fellows during the 2009-2010 academic year. The full-time Fellows will be mentored by senior members of the Book Center’s staff, and will undertake assignments in each of our six major program areas.

* Bibliography: Work with the Center’s bibliographer to shelve and organize Yiddish books in our new, climate-controlled, on-site Deposit Library; help sort, process and index periodicals and ready them for digitization; answer reference questions and help students, scholars and visitors find Yiddish books; and provide support for users of the Center’s online library at yiddishbooks.org.
* Interpretation: Provide guided tours to visitors of all ages.
* Ethnography: Conduct structured oral history interviews with visitors, index archival recordings, and select excerpts for inclusion on the Book Center’s website, New Discoveries exhibition, Pakn Treger and other publications.
* Exhibitions: Help track down artifacts and provide curatorial assistance for the Book Center’s new, 10,000-square-foot permanent exhibition.
* Education and Public Programs: Provide support for the Book Center’s new educational programs, including Yiddish classes and residential Jewish Cultural Encounters for adults; a Winter Program for college students; teacher training and other endeavors.
* Web, Translation and Publications: Provide content and help coordinate online forums and communities on the Book Center’s expanded website; assist with translation from Yiddish to English; assist the editor in researching and writing for Pakn Treger, the Book Center’s English-language magazine.

Compensation:
$20,000 stipend plus health insurance. This is a nine-month position.

Qualifications:
B.A. in Jewish Studies or equivalent; working knowledge of Yiddish; flexibility, good nature and a spirit of adventure.

Check the Web site for application instructions and more information.

B'nai Brith International Seeks Associate Editor

B'nai B'rith International seeks an Associate Editor: "Under direct supervision of the Editorial Director, the Associate Editor will provide support on our Magazine and other publications as well as support to our Communications Department." For details, see the announcement.

Stern College Seeks Adjunct Fiction Instructor

"Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University is seeking an adjunct instructor in Fiction Writing to teach one course in Spring 2010, with the possibility of renewal for the following spring. Preference will be given to candidates with an MA or MFA in Creative Writing, publications in fiction, and experience in college level teaching. Teaching duties include leading an introductory fiction writing workshop, advising students, and assisting in the reading and assessment of final portfolios. Please send application letter describing experience, CV, writing sample up to 35 pp, a statement of teaching philosophy, and 3 letters of recommendation to FictionSternYU@gmail.com, or to Prof. Linda Shires, Chair, Dept. of English, Stern College for Women, 245 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Digital submissions preferred. Deadline for application is August 26th. Yeshiva University is an Equal Opportunity Employer."

Mystery Magazine Job

Interesting--albeit mysterious--job announcement for a part-time magazine editor:

Non profit organization seeks part-time managing editor for 3 – 5 magazine editions yearly. Must have thorough knowledge of print production, strong writing and copy editing skills. Knowledge of Israel, plus Jewish history and culture a must. Knowledge of the Hebrew language a plus. Must be familiar with working with freelance writers and photographers, printers, graphic designers, volunteer leadership and development staff. Must be able to multi-task and meet deadlines.

More information--just a bit--here.

Notes from Around the Web

On Nextbook, Adam Kirsch discusses Adina Hoffman's "quasi-biography" of Palestinian poet Taha Muhammad Ali.
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A college student is collecting stories about Hebrew School.
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The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum seeks an applied research scholar.
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And Boston's Jewish Advocate newspaper seeks a reporter. "New graduates with bachelor's degrees in journalism, English, communications or Jewish studies are encouraged to apply."

Notes from Around the Web

While I wait to read accounts of the Jerusalem Book Fair, which is taking place this week, I am becoming acquainted with the roster of top Israeli writers (determined by the number of languages into which their works have been translated), released by the Institute for the Translation of Hebrew Literature. (Overall winner: Amos Oz.)
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I'm beginning to think Josh Lambert never sleeps. Last week brought yet two more excellent pieces with his byline. First, there was this deeply engaged review of Arguing the Modern Jewish Canon: Essays on Literature and Culture in Honor of Ruth R. Wisse. Having studied with Professor Wisse myself, I found the review particularly worthwhile. And then, Josh introduced Nextbook's readers to an underappreciated Jewish-American author: Sam Astrachan.
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Birthright Israel-NEXT is looking for a Director of Communications. If you're a "tech-savvy communications maven" in New York City and want to find out more, click here.

Job Opening at The Forward

"The Forward, a national Jewish weekly, is seeking an aggressive reporter to cover news and features about Jewish life and politics. The ideal candidate is a stylish writer who delights in breaking news; who will generate his or her own story ideas; know how to chase down a story and write it with ease on deadline, and can step back and conceptualize long-form stories. We’re looking for a team player who will thrive in a results-oriented, collaborative newsroom. A minimum of two years of experience on a daily newspaper or Web site is required. Send us your resume and three of your best clips. To be considered, you must include your salary requirements." Deadline: January 16, 2009. See the full announcement and application instructions here.