75th National Jewish Book Award Winners Announced – Why They’re Important
The Jewish Book Council just dropped the winners for the 75th National Jewish Book Awards, and this year’s lineup hits a bit different. We’re talking about the longest-running Jewish literary awards in North America, and after 75 years, they’re still celebrating the writers who capture Jewish life, history, and culture in ways that matter.
Eli Sharabi’s “Hostage” Takes Top Honor at Jewish Book Awards
Let’s start with the big one at the Jewish Book Awards. Author Eli Sharabi walked away with Book of the Year for “Hostage,” his gut-wrenching memoir about surviving 491 days in Hamas captivity. This isn’t just another survival story – it’s an emotional, harrowing, unflinching testimony that demands to be heard. Per Detroit Jewish News, Sharabi stated:
“This recognition means so much to me, not only personally, but for the memory of my family and all those we lost…I hope it helps ensure that what happened is never forgotten.”
That’s the kind of writing that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Fiction That Reimagines Classic Characters
Allison Fagin snagged the JJ Greenberg Memorial Award for Fiction with “Fagin the Thief,” a bold reimagining of Charles Dickens’s infamous villain from “Oliver Twist.” Because who doesn’t love a good origin story that flips everything you thought you knew?
The otherJewish Book Award finalists – “Mrs. Lilienblum’s Cloud Factory” by Iddo Gefen and “Boy From the North Country” by Sam Sussman – brought their A-game too.
Debut Fiction Goes to Zeeva Bukai
Zeeva Bukai claimed the Goldberg Prize for Debut Fiction with “The Anatomy of Exile,” an amazing multi-layered portrait of an immigrant family navigating cultural challenges both old and new. First-time novelists don’t always nail it like this, but Bukai clearly did.
Hebrew Fiction in Translation Wins Big (Twice)
Yishay Ishi Ron’s heart wrenching novella “Dog” (translated by Yardenne Greenspan) didn’t just win the Jane Weitzman Award for Hebrew Fiction in Translation – it also scored the Miller Family Award for Best Book Club Selection. Talk about a double threat.
The book explores PTSD, addiction, and redemption through the eyes of an Israeli officer returning from Gaza. It’s absolutely devastating, unflinching, and apparently, it’s perfect for book club discussions.
Heavy Hitters in Memoir and History
Julia Ioffe won the Krauss Family Award for Memoir and Autobiography with “Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy.” Meanwhile, Pamela S. Nadell took home the Celebrate 350 Award for American Studies with “Antisemitism, an American Tradition” – because apparently, we sadly still need to talk about this.
Sarah Hurwitz Reclaims the Narrative
Sarah Hurwitz received the Myra H. Kraft Memorial Award for Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice for “As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us.” If you’re familiar with Hurwitz’s previous work (she was a White House speechwriter for the Obama administration), you know she doesn’t pull any punches.
Why This Year’s Jewish Book Awards Matter More Than Ever
“Jewish storytelling is a mirror, reflecting our values, and a bridge, connecting us with future generations to preserve Jewish memories and history,” said Naomi Firestone-Teeter, CEO of Jewish Book Council. “Especially amid rising antisemitism and Jewish authors facing increased scrutiny, Jewish books have the power to create and sustain community.”
She’s not wrong. In a cultural moment where Jewish voices are under fire, these awards remind us why representation in literature matters.
Elisa Spungen Bildner, president of Jewish Book Council, added: “These winning authors weave together past and future, reminding us that Jewish storytelling remains a vital source of imagination, courage, and connection.”
The Full Jewish Book Award Winners List
Here’s the complete breakdown of Jewish Book Award winners across all categories:
Book of the Year: “Hostage” by Eli Sharabi
Fiction: “Fagin the Thief” by Allison Fagin
Debut Fiction: “The Anatomy of Exile” by Zeeva Bukai
Hebrew Fiction in Translation: “Dog” by Yishay Ishi Ron
Best Book Club Selection: “Dog” by Yishay Ishi Ron
Memoir and Autobiography: “Motherland” by Julia Ioffe
American Studies: “Antisemitism, an American Tradition” by Pamela S. Nadell
Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice: “As A Jew” by Sarah Hurwitz
The winners will be celebrated on March 25, 2026, at Temple Emanu-El in New York City, with award-winning podcaster and entertainer Jonah Platt hosting the event.
If you’re looking to expand your reading list with books that actually matter, then these Jewish Book Award winners can be your starting point.
