Jerusalem-based neuroscientist and writer Iddo Gefen has been awarded the prestigious $100,000 Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature for his debut short-story collection, Jerusalem Beach. The annual prize, established in 2006, aims to honor exceptional literary works that explore Jewish themes. This year also marked the first time a translator, Daniella Zamir, was recognized and awarded a quarter of the prize money for her translation work.
Gefen was presented with the award at a live ceremony in Jerusalem, which was held in person for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other finalists on the shortlist were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to Jewish literature. These included writers Max Gross, Anna Solomon, Mikołaj Grynberg, and translator Sean Gasper Bye.
The Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature alternates each year between honoring works of fiction and nonfiction. The winners are selected by a panel of esteemed judges who assess the submissions based on their literary merit and exploration of Jewish themes and values. The prize aims to recognize and support emerging Jewish writers and celebrate their contributions to the literary landscape.
The award ceremony was attended by family members of Sami Rohr, the late businessman and philanthropist for whom the prize is named. Sallai Meridor, chair of the board of the National Library of Israel, which co-sponsors the contest, also graced the event. Meridor, a former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, has been actively involved in promoting Jewish literature and culture.
Rabbi David Wolpe, a finalist for the National Jewish Book Awards, moderated the program and led a panel discussion with this year’s authors and translators. The event provided a platform for the literary community to come together and engage in insightful conversations about Jewish literature.
Debra Goldberg, the director of the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature, expressed her satisfaction at being able to hold a live ceremony after the challenges posed by the pandemic. She also highlighted the significance of a translator winning the award for the first time, acknowledging the integral role they play in making literary works accessible to a broader audience.
The next edition of the Sami Rohr Prize, dedicated to nonfiction, will be held in June 2024 in New York. The prize continues to encourage and celebrate Jewish writers, shedding light on the rich tapestry of Jewish literature and its enduring impact on culture and society.
