Nice Jewish Books

Sheryl Stahl
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Fiction
  • Updated Monthly

Nice Jewish Books is a podcast focusing on adult Jewish fiction sponsored by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL.) Not only is AJL the leading authority on Judaica Librarianship, its members are a community of readers and bibliophiles. On this podcast, we chat with authors about Jewish literature, genre fiction, works in translation, and more. As long as a book has a Jewish theme or character, it's a candidate for our show!

  1. May 18

    Wild Grapes by Miriam Flock

    It is 1918 and Bluma has waited four long years for her husband, Sender, to bring her and their three daughters from Romania to America. When the tickets fail to arrive, she takes their future into her own hands. Packing up her children, Bluma journeys across the ocean to rural Ohio—only to discover a crumbling farmhouse, a failing farm on the brink of foreclosure, and a husband more interested in studying Talmud than in actual farm work. In a strange new country, can she protect her dreams for her daughters: education, independence, and marriages built on love? Follow along with the transcript. and check out Miriam's website. Learn more about the Jewish Farmers Network. Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.

    30 min

  2. Apr 21

    Blood of Birds by Jay Bailey

    The newly crowned King David was making all kinds of radical reform in his kingdom. High on the list was establishing six cities of refuge where men accused on manslaughter would be safe from people seeking blood vengence. But with a new system in play; how long will it take for someone to figure out a way to pervert it? Join me for a conversation with author Jay Bailey about his book, Blood of Birds. Follow along with the transcript. and check out the author's website.  Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast   If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.

    47 min

  3. Mar 13

    Accidental friends with Susan Josephs

    What happens when two strangers are brought together by the same heartbreaking loss? Can friendship help heal the soul? After Rose's husband, Maury, and Nina's fiancé, Jeff, are killed in a tragic car accident, the two women form an unexpected bond. What begins in shared grief grows into something deeper—through memories, regrets, and the search for a way forward. Despite their decades of age difference—Rose at 93 and Nina in her thirties—they connect through their shared love of dance, Nina's passion for yoga, and the complicated emotions that follow loss. Author Susan Josephs brings a gentle, thoughtful touch to the story, exploring guilt, remembrance, and the quiet power of friendship during life's most difficult transitions. Join me for a heartfelt conversation with Susan Josephs about her novel Accidental Friends on the Nice Jewish Books Podcast. Follow along with the transcript. Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.

    48 min

  4. Feb 20

    AJL Fiction Award Winners 2026

    Every year, the Association of Jewish Libraries Fiction Award committee scours the literary world for books with significant Jewish content. They look for extra-ordinary writing, accurate depictions of Jewish life in all its diversity, and contributions to the field of Jewish literature. This month I am excited to speak with Rena Citrin about the 2026 award winners for the best Jewish fiction published in 2025. Follow along with the transcript. Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their books here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.

    33 min

  5. Jan 19

    Alive and Beating / a conversation with Rebecca Wolf

    Six lives. One city. A phone call that will change everything. In Alive and Beating, Rebecca Wolf brings us to Jerusalem just days before Passover, where six diverse characters balance family, work, and life-threatening illnesses. After a devastating bus bombing, an organ donation sets off a question that drives the novel: who will get the call that saves their life? Join me on Nice Jewish Books for a conversation with Rebecca Wolf about grief, grit, and the fragility of hope. Follow along with the transcript. Rebecca can be reached through email at authorrebeccawolf@gmail.com, her website: rebeccawolfauthor.com, and on Instagram: @aliveandbeating Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.

    48 min

  6. 11/16/2025

    Immortal Gifts : tales of a Jewish vampire with Katherine Villyard

    In this episode of Nice Jewish Books… Sheryl Stahl sits down with author Katherine Villyard to discuss Immortal Gifts, a historical fantasy starring Abraham, a Jewish vampire trying to balance immortal life, Jewish identity, and his love for his mortal wife, Destiny. But peace is hard to come by—Abraham is relentlessly hunted by Thomas, a radical Christian vampire, and must rely on his loyal friend and patron Ludwig to help him stay one step ahead with new identities and safe passage. Abraham and Destiny also have to deal with the humorous—and not-so-humorous—complications that arise when Abraham turns one of the terminally ill family cats into a vampire. ✨ A blend of history, fantasy, danger, and heart—don't miss this conversation! Follow along with the transcript. Check out Katherine's website (which includes her kick-start campaign) Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.

    32 min

  7. 10/16/2025

    Will Hope Arrive in the Shape of Dog? a conversation with Yishay Ishi Ron

    Geller has hit rock bottom — homeless, addicted, and haunted by the horrors of war. His only goal is to forget. But when he rescues a dog from another addict, something shifts. After a brutal accident, a stranger named Doris steps in — and suddenly, there's a spark of hope. Can a dog... and a kind stranger... help Geller find a life worth living? Join me for a powerful conversation with author Yishay "Ishy" Ron about his gripping novel Dog. We dive into the realities of PTSD, the struggle to seek help, and the unexpected paths to healing.   Follow along with the transcript. Check out Ishi's website and his publisher Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.

    49 min

  8. 09/12/2025

    Unfinished Acts of Wild Creation: a conversation with Sarah Yahm

    Louise isn't juggling balls or flames — she's juggling life: the emotional weight of being a daughter, a mother, a wife… and someone facing a terminal diagnosis. In her latest novel, Unfinished Acts of Wild Creation, author Sarah Yahm introduces us to a woman navigating the tangled mess of grief, love, honesty and humor. Join us for a deeply moving (and surprisingly funny) conversation about Louise, her snarky daughter, her desperate-to-hold-it-all-together husband Leon, and the beauty found in unfinished things. We also share some personal stories along the way. 🎧 Listen now at jewishlibraries.org/nicejewishbooks 📚 Because sometimes the most Jewish thing you can do is tell a really good story. Follow along with the transcript and check out Sarah's website and her book club guide. Assist Sarah's call in her Tikun Olam efforts by supporting Rabbis for Ceasefire or Jews for Food Aid for People in Gaza. Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.

    36 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Nice Jewish Books is a podcast focusing on adult Jewish fiction sponsored by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL.) Not only is AJL the leading authority on Judaica Librarianship, its members are a community of readers and bibliophiles. On this podcast, we chat with authors about Jewish literature, genre fiction, works in translation, and more. As long as a book has a Jewish theme or character, it's a candidate for our show!

Information

  • Creator
    Sheryl Stahl
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021+
  • Show Website
    Nice Jewish Books

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