This year marks a special milestone, the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Month, a special program from the Jewish Book Council. It all began in 1925 when Boston librarian Fanny Goldstein launched Jewish Book Week to celebrate Jewish stories, strengthen our community, and share the richness of Jewish life and identity. Her vision flourished into the monthlong celebration we know today, bringing Jewish literature into homes and communities across North America.
As part of the celebrations, PJ Library is thrilled to share curated book recommendations from beloved Jewish authors. Our first list comes from Rabbi Angela Buchdahl:
Written by Sydney Taylor, illustrated by Helen John
Growing up in Tacoma, Washington I felt very far from the center of big-city Jewish life. I loved reading these stories of a Jewish immigrant family of five girls, growing up on the Lower East Side.
by Richard Ungar
I retell this story of the Rabbi of Nemirov, who mysteriously disappears every year before Rosh Hashanah. Where does he go? Some of his people guess that he goes to heaven, to plead for the people before the new year. But when they learn the true answer, it's clear, it's "even higher."
Written and illustrated by Phoebe Gilman
I am fond of this book because it’s always made my children smile with it's alliterative and rhythmic retelling. This is a wonderful tale of Jewish ingenuity and I also love the message of the importance of the stories we share ourselves.
About the Author
Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl serves as the Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City and is the first woman to lead Central’s Reform congregation in its 180-year history. Rabbi Buchdahl first joined Central Synagogue as Senior Cantor in 2006. In 2014, she was chosen by the congregation to be Senior Rabbi. Rabbi Buchdahl has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the Today Show, NPR, and PBS and was listed as one of Newsweek’s “America’s 50 Most Influential Rabbis.” She serves on the boards of the AJC, the Asia Society, the New York Board of Rabbis, and the Yale University President's Council.
photo by Lorin Klaris
More
How PJ Library Chooses Books
PJ Library Staff Recommendations for Jewish Book Month
Why We Chose This Book: Meet the Latkes
October 31, 2025