Jewish Voices at Boyds Mills

Jewish Voices Book Covers
8-30_PJ Library Fun Group photo

Our Goal

To inspire children through story by amplifying the voices of Jewish authors & illustrators.

Our Action:

Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for Jewish creatives and professionals in and around the children’s book industry.

Testimonials from Jewish community

“The impact of Boyds Mills on my life has been tremendous. The workshops have shaped and informed me as a writer and have been enlightening. My first published [picture book], PAT, ROLL, PULL, was shaped by editor Devorah Rosenfeld during a Boyds Mills workshop. WHISTLING FOR ANGELA, a [picture book] about open adoption was critiqued in three different workshops. It will be published this spring by Pajama Press.” (Robin Heald)

“The generous, brilliant faculty. The talented group you curated. The chance to spend a few days with a crew with similar values and passions from a variety of backgrounds. All of that plus the Boyds Mills magic equaled the chance for my brain to really put together some of the picture book craft stuff I’ve been working to synthesize. Plus, I met some writing pals I’m sure will be on my go-to list for years to come. Sending a humungous thank you.” (Melissa Lasher)

“Sharing experiences with veteran kidlit Jewish authors to unpublished ones like me, late nights just listening to everyone talk about their paths and their thoughts and struggles – it’s all just sitting in my head, slowing unpacking.” (Yossi Mandel)

“But from the moment I stepped into the Barn, I knew all my worrying was for naught. That weekend instead was one of the most energizing and inspiring things I’ve done so far as a writer. My voice was respected in a way that I had never experienced before in a creative space.” (A.R. Vishny)

News and Resources

Funds for Jewish Voices at Boyds Mills

Jewish Voices Scholarship (IGFB)
Whole Novel Scholarship for Jewish Writers (IGFB)

Blogs and Podcasts

Podcast Roundup: February Guests on the Children’s Book Podcast

Podcast Roundup: February Guests on the Children’s Book Podcast

Double Book Birthday Celebration: Ruth Horowitz and Robin Heald

Double Book Birthday Celebration: Ruth Horowitz and Robin Heald

3 Questions With Author, Editor and Agent Linda Epstein

3 Questions With Author, Editor and Agent Linda Epstein

3 Questions With Daria Peoples, Sarah Aronson and Chris Tebbetts About Making Progress on Your Creative Journey

3 Questions With Daria Peoples, Sarah Aronson and Chris Tebbetts About Making Progress on Your Creative Journey

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Upcoming Programs Featuring Jewish Voices

Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session One!

Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session One!

Starts: July 8, 2026

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall)

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall)

Starts: September 23, 2026

Novels in Verse: A Generative Retreat

Novels in Verse: A Generative Retreat

Starts: October 26, 2026

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Get Involved

How will you inspire kids by amplifying the voices of Jewish authors and illustrators?