named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
JBC Network Program
A network of approximately 130 member organizations across North America that provides a platform for over 250 authors annually, arranging nearly 1,400 book-related programs both virtually and in person.
Jewish Children’s Book Awards
Biennial awards celebrating Jewish children’s book authors and illustrators in Europe and the UK, judged by industry professionals.
Jewish Writers Conference
Annual event combining children’s and adult writing seminars, featuring workshops, panels, and networking opportunities with agents, editors, and authors.
Natan Notable Books
Twice-yearly award recognizing nonfiction books on Jewish themes, offering winners $5,000, marketing support, and promotion to broaden audience engagement.
National Jewish Book Awards
Established in 1950, this is the longest-running North American awards program recognizing outstanding English-language books of Jewish interest across more than eighteen categories.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Literary Events & Workshops 3 activities
- Distributes book club resources and reading guidesProvides free downloadable discussion guides, annual reading guides, monthly book picks, reviews, and a searchable database to support book clubs, with thematic groupings and supplementary materials like recipes.
- Hosts author events and literary conferencesFacilitates over 1,400 events annually, including author talks, workshops, and a writers’ conference, featuring nearly 300 touring authors and “Meet the Author” events.
- Operates the JBC NetworkRuns a network of approximately 130 member organizations across North America that host author programs and literary events, supporting over 250 authors annually.
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Recognition and Awards Programs 1 activity
- Administers National Jewish Book AwardsRecognizes authors of outstanding English-language books of Jewish interest through an annual awards program with over eighteen categories, including a gala celebration for winners.
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Jewish Textual and Educational Publishing 1 activity
- Conducts and shares research on Jewish literary and cultural topicsProduces and shares research including a global map of Jewish libraries, documented historical accounts of Jewish Americans, and publishes scholarly works such as the first narrative survey of Jewish history in the American South.
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Artist Visa and Mobility Support 1 activity
- Establishes and administers literary prizesFounded and oversees the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature to recognize emerging writers in Jewish literature.
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Literary and Cultural Publishing 1 activity
- Produces and publishes literary contentProduces an annual print literary journal, Paper Brigade, and maintains a digital publication, Paper Brigade Daily, featuring articles, interviews, book excerpts, poetry, illustrations, and photography.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Presents Natan Notable Books awardTwice-yearly award recognizing nonfiction books on Jewish themes, selecting one book around Passover and the High Holidays to receive $5,000, promotion, and audience development support.
- Reaches broad audiences through digital and print platformsReaches approximately 70,000 readers weekly and 900,000 annually through digital platforms, email newsletters (over 36,000 subscribers), and publications.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$1.74M
Contributions & grants$986K57%
Program service revenue$662K38%
Investment income$94K5%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$1.29M
Program expenses65%
Admin / overhead30%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$746K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$4.29M
Cash$1.11M
Investments$3.02M
Liabilities$471K
Net assets$3.81M
Liquid reserves38.3 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +23.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAOMI FIRESTONE-TEETER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $170K |
board members · 24
- ABE A STEINBERGER — DIRECTOR
- ALAN KADISH — VICE PRESIDENT
- ALAN SCHWARTZ — DIRECTOR
- ALEX TROY — DIRECTOR
- ALTIE KARPER — DIRECTOR
- ANDREA MILLER — DIRECTOR
- BECKY SCHAMIS — DIRECTOR
- CARMEL KRAUSS — DIRECTOR
- DANA RAUCHER — VICE PRESIDENT
- DANIEL JEYDEL — DIRECTOR
- DEBBIE TURVEY — DIRECTOR
- DEBBY MILLER — VICE PRESIDENT
- EDITH EVERETT — DIRECTOR
- ELISA SPUNGEN BILDNER — PRESIDENT
- ETTA ZIMMERMAN — DIRECTOR
- JANE WEITZMAN — DIRECTOR
- JESSICA CHOD — DIRECTOR
- JOSEPH TELUSHKIN — DIRECTOR
- JOSH ROLNICK — VICE PRESIDENT
- JOY GREENBERG — VICE PRESIDENT
- JOY LEVITT — DIRECTOR
- JUDITH LIEBERMAN — DIRECTOR
- JULIE BARER — DIRECTOR
- KAREN BERMAN — DIRECTOR
relationships · 22
Who they work with
- Columbia University Press Partner — Will publish Samantha Ellis's forthcoming book "Frivolity: A Defense" in autumn 2026.
- Google Meet Partner — Identifies Google Meet as an alternative free platform for hosting virtual book club meetings.
- Hillels Partner — Member sites in the JBC Network that host Jewish book programs
- JBC Authors Network — Manages a network program for authors and communities that includes author appearances at events.
- JCC Association of North America Partner — Member organization of the Global Jewish Literary Alliance, supporting Jewish literary programming across North America.
- JCCs Partner — Member sites in the JBC Network that host Jewish book programs
- Jewish Community Centers Network — Present within Jewish Community Centers as part of its community reach.
- Jewish Community Centers Association Partner — Successor to the National Jewish Welfare Board; primary site for community book fairs and ongoing partner in Jewish Book Council programming.
- Jewish Federations Network — Present within the network of Jewish Federations as part of its community reach.
- Jewish Federations Partner — Member sites in the JBC Network that host Jewish book programs
- Jewish Literary Foundation/Book Week Partner — Member organization of the Global Jewish Literary Alliance, co-managing literary events and awards in the UK.
- Natan Partner — Collaborates with Natan on the Natan Notable Books award program.
- National Jewish Welfare Board Government — Official sponsor and coordinating organization for the Jewish Book Council, providing financial and organizational support.
- Paul E. Singer Foundation Partner — Partners with the Paul E. Singer Foundation to support the Israel Bookshelf project.
- Shari Rabin Partner — Author of the book published under the Jewish Book Council's title list.
- The Jewish Museum in New York City Partner — Partners with The Jewish Museum in New York City for the event series "Unpacking the Book: Jewish Writers in Conversation."
- The Wingate Prize Partner — Member organization of the Global Jewish Literary Alliance, collaborating on literary initiatives and awards.
- Zoom Partner — Recommends Zoom as a platform for virtual book club meetings and provides guidance on its use.
- cultural centers Partner — Member sites in the JBC Network that host Jewish book programs
- libraries Network — Present in libraries as part of its community reach.
- synagogues Network — Present in synagogues as part of its community reach.
- synagogues Partner — Member sites in the JBC Network that host Jewish book programs
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Catalyst for Jewish Literary Ecosystemmethodology: catalyst_modelBy supporting the writing, publication, distribution, and public awareness of Jewish literature, we expand engagement and sustain a vibrant literary culture because visibility and infrastructure are essential to cultural continuity.
- Curated Literary Curation and Recognitionmethodology: editorial_discretionBy using editorial discretion and awards to highlight high-quality books with significant Jewish content, we drive reader attention and elevate cultural discourse because recognition and curation shape public reading behavior and literary value.
- Facilitated Engagement Through Structured Resourcesmethodology: facilitator-in-a-boxBy providing ready-to-use discussion guides and enriched discussion tools, we increase the depth and accessibility of book club engagement with Jewish literature because structured support lowers barriers to meaningful participation.