Jews & Libraries

The World’s Oldest Book Club

Torah study, the longest-lasting book club in the world, has been a central element of Jewish culture since at 200 C.E. Readers gather to discuss the sacred texts, engaging in lively conversations to "wrestle with" the text. 


This tradition underscores the importance of reading and discussing written texts, further strengthening the bond between Judaism and libraries.

Genizas

Genizas, repositories for sacred Jewish texts and documents, have long held a crucial place in preserving Jewish heritage. These storage spaces, often found in synagogues or other communal institutions, are designed to safeguard worn-out or damaged religious manuscripts. The contents of genizas are not discarded but are treated with great reverence due to their sacred nature. Libraries, recognizing the historical and cultural significance of genizas, have played a vital role in curating and preserving these valuable collections. The inclusion of genizas within library settings ensures not only the physical preservation of these documents but also facilitates scholarly access, allowing researchers and the broader public to delve into the rich tapestry of Jewish history, tradition, and religious practices. As integral components of library archives, genizas contribute to the broader mission of libraries in safeguarding cultural and religious heritage.

Biblical Masculinity

In the Prophets and Nevi'im, the concept of ideal Jewish masculinity extends beyond physical strength to include moral integrity and devotion to justice. The prophets often challenged men to embody not just physical prowess but also ethical strength, emphasizing the importance of compassion, integrity, and the pursuit of social justice. Figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah conveyed the idea that true masculinity involves not only physical protection but also the protection of the vulnerable and marginalized in society, calling for a more empathetic and morally upright form of masculinity.

Private Libraries

Over the centuries, eminent Jewish sages, scholars, and philanthropists meticulously assembled personal libraries, some of which evolved into renowned public collections. These repositories, encompassing a wide array of works from scriptural and religious to literary and scientific, were often preserved in grand structures or exhibited in academic institutions, contributing significantly to the enrichment of human civilization's knowledge, heritage, and culture.

Jewish Community Libraries in the USA

In the late 1940s, the Jewish Book Council aimed to promote interest in Jewish literature and culture by encouraging the cultivation of Jewish libraries in synagogues and institutions across the U.S. Recognizing the role of public libraries in immigrant assimilation, Rabbi Philip Goodman emphasized the need for Jewish libraries in the 1947–1948 annual report. The following five years saw a surge in grassroots-driven Jewish library initiatives, notably led by synagogue sisterhoods, with other organizations, such as Jewish day schools and community centers, actively supporting library-conscious endeavors.

Jewish Women Librarians in the United States

Jewish women have played a significant role in shaping library science, particularly in the development of Judaica librarianship. In the mid-20th century, figures like Mae Weine, a 1957 Drexel graduate, became instrumental in teaching and establishing standards for Jewish libraries. Weine, alongside other women librarians such as Sophie N. Cedarbaum, Diana Bernstein, and Sheva B. Brun, contributed seminal works that became essential tools in Judaica librarianship. The formation of the Jewish Librarians Association in the 1960s and its subsequent merger into the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) marked a pivotal moment, with women holding prominent positions like Mae Weine, Anne Kirshenbaum, and Linda P. Lerman as presidents. This vibrant community, chronicled through journals like Judaica Librarianship, continues to showcase the dedication and contributions of Jewish women to the field of library science.

A few examples of influential Jewish Librarians

Fanny Goldstein

Fanny Goldstein played a key role in promoting pride in ethnic and immigrant backgrounds. Through her work at the Boston Public Library, Goldstein initiated programs like National Jewish Book Week and contributed significantly to the development of the library's Judaica collection.

Nancy Pearl

Nancy Pearl is a renowned American librarian, bestselling author, and literary critic. Named Librarian of the Year in 2011, Pearl's dedication to libraries began in her childhood in Detroit, crediting books and librarians with saving her life.

Judith Krug

Judith Krug’s work and legacy transformed the perception of libraries and librarians, emphasizing their role as unwavering champions of the right to read without constraints or censorship.

Miriam Gutman Braverman

Miriam Gutman Braverman, a late library science professor and political activist, dedicated herself to advancing racial equality and played a pivotal role in establishing the Langston Hughes Library and Cultural Center. 

Association of Jewish Libraries

The Jewish Librarians Association, founded in 1946, was composed of academic, archival, and research institutions. The Jewish Library Association, founded in 1962, emphasized work in synagogue, school, and community center libraries. These two associations merged in 1966 and became the Association of Jewish Libraries. We are currently composed of two divisions: Schools, Synagogues, Centers and Public Libraries (SSCPL), and Research, Archive, and Special libraries (RAS).  


AJL is the leading authority on Judaic librarianship. Our membership includes libraries in synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, day schools, yeshivot, universities, Holocaust museums, museums, archives, national libraries, and public libraries. 


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