Listen to Your Voice
What two book awards ceremonies taught me
In November 2023, on the heels of the October 7th attacks, Zibby Media was supposed to sponsor the National Book Awards.
I’d heard that some type of coordinated, pro-Palestinian/anti-Israel plan was in place among the finalists (specifically, I’d heard every speech would include antisemitic rhetoric). Really?! I called the organizers to find out what was going on.
The National Book Foundation had also heard of something brewing, but they didn’t know what. Looking for assurance, I asked: what would happen in the event of antisemitic speeches?? The answer? Nothing. The organization believed in free speech. Anything the finalists said would go unchecked.
I pulled our sponsorship. (Read my Substack post from that time here.)
It made international news — and became a symbol of how the conflict was affecting the U.S. literary world. It made me cry. It made many betray me. It made others cheer me along. It made… me.
Fast forward to last night.
Zibby Media proudly sponsored the @jewishbookcouncil’s National Jewish Book Awards. Four team members, five friends and I sat and enjoyed the celebration of Jewish literary talent.
Notably, nothing was anti-anything. All content was supportive of Jewish authors and about the importance of hope and expression, empathy and engagement.
Because this is what being Jewish is: supporting each other, supporting arts, culture and literature, encouraging societal contributions, fostering kindness, productivity, connection. The opposite of hate.
Lee Yaron won best book of the year for 10/7: 100 Human Stories. (Listen to our podcast on Totally Booked with Zibby here. And she’ll be a panelist at our On Being Jewish Now: Live event in NYC on April 5th. Please come! Tickets here.)
Lee highlighted human history and celebrated the lives of those lost in her poweful book — not their deaths. Her speech was inspiring, not angry.
Because this is what being Jewish is. Uplifters, despite it all.
That November had me despairing and panicking. Last night, I was beaming. There is hope, community, and so much to celebrate — especially our collective values.
Mazel tov, winners!
I’ve never been more proud to be Jewish. Plus, our anthology On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates hit the USA Today list for the 14th week yesterday.
What if I hadn’t made that phone call last November? Here’s to listening to our inner voices and doing what’s right, no matter how hard it might feel.
My Next Events:
Tucson. Scottsdale. L.A. Santa Barbara. Dallas. New York.
Sunday, March 16th at 11:30 am: Panelist at the Tucson Festival of Books.
Monday, March 17th at 12 pm: Event with Zach Silverberg at the Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale. (No registration necessary.)
Sunday, March 23rd from 3 pm - 7 pm: On Being Jewish Now: Live in Los Angeles at the Museum of Tolerance. Tickets for sale here.
Friday, March 28th - Sunday, March 30th: Zibby Retreat Santa Barbara. Tickets here.
Saturday, March 29th at 6 pm: Godmothers Bookstore in Summerland, CA. Tickets here.
Monday, March 31st at 12 pm: Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas luncheon with Alana Newhouse. Tickets here.
Saturday, April 5th from 10 am - 5 pm: On Being Jewish Now: New York with panels and a screening of film “October 8.” Tickets here.
Join me!
The line around the block of women on a street in Santa Monica waiting to shake your hand says it all. So proud to have been one of them. To say you are an inspiration is an understatement. I have given your book as gifts because it is one!
Mazel Tov! I've been following you since the Pandemic, bought & read On Being Jewish Now, and am grateful for all you are doing for the Jewish people, the world and in opposition to hate.