Hebrew Book Week
In 1926, before the State of Israel was born, Bracha Peli, the founder of Masada Press, decided to hold a book fair on Rothschild Avenue in Tel Aviv to promote Hebrew Literature. Ever since it has been an important annual tradition showing off the small state’s strong literary and academic tradition in a 10 day festival across the country.
In Jerusalem, for example, Liberty Bell Park and First Station (the transformed old railway station of Ottoman Jerusalem now featuring trendy cafes, nightlife, free yoga, off of the “HaRekevet”-- the old train tracks that are now a walking path) are the heartbeats of the book fair. People browse until late at night, walking away with everything from the latest children’s books to an Aramaic to Ancient Greek Dictionary to the latest on biblical interpretations. In other words, the book fair is just as much part of Jerusalem nightlife as going out to a cafe after dinner. My kind of nightlife!
Most bookstore also offer a discount during Hebrew Book Week -- so be sure to check out everything from Steimatsky’s to your favorite museum book store for deep discounts (I found amazing titles at the Israel Museum).
It’s my favorite week in Israel, and I know it will be yours too.