The American Jewish Press Association Simon Rockower Award is referred to by some as “the Jewish Pulitzer Award.” Each year the Association grants awards in different categories to articles from Jewish publications around the country.
This year, author Miriam Karp , a Lubavitcher living in Cincinnati, won first place in ‘Excellence in Writing About Women’ for an article about her first experience doing a tahara that was published in Hadassah Magazine.
The judges comments were ” …beautiful, spiritual, personal…Her pacing is exquisite, her tone is deeply respectful, and her account is marked by lovely attention to detail. Karp’s experience, and her meditation on it, leaves the reader awed.”
“My intention in writing the article and in all my writing is open up the world of authentic Yiddishkeit to new audiences, and to write in a way that they can relate to and enjoy. It’s exciting to receive this kind of recognition, which leads more people to access my work. So many people are ready to be touched and moved, and just need to be met in their kind of style and loshonos,” Miriam said.
This article is one of the chapters of her newly published memoir, “Painting Zaidy’s Dream: memoir of a searching soul,” which she wrote to build bridges and break down misconceptions about the world of Torah and Chabad. “I still feel old friends and family looking at me with a ‘Huh? Like, do you really have to do all that stuff, with all those nitty gritty details? Is there really spirituality there for a modern woman?’
Her book honestly and humorously shares her questions, search, struggles and Hashgocha Protis that led her to Yiddishkiet. “In the short time it’s been out, it’s been helping people curious about Yiddishkeit, those dipping their toe into the teshuvah path, and those firmly on it but feeling overwhelmed or unacknowledged. Shluchim have told me they understand their m’kuravim better after reading the book,” Miriam said.
Highlights include: the first time seeing the Rebbe and 770, impressions of the Ohel, early days in Crown Heights, profiles of beloved figures such as Shimshon Stock A”H, first crazed BT Pesachs, raising a large family, changing impressions of Eretz Yisrael and Hevron, and much more. Funny stories, poems, and quiet, poignant scenes and reflections fill the book.
“Rabbi Manis Friedman enthusiastically encouraged and supported me, and offered much guidance and clarification. I am honored to have his ‘haskoma,’ “she says.
“Painting Zaidy’s Dream: memoir of a searching soul” has been excerpted in Neshei Chabad Newsletter and on Chabad.org, and is available at Judaica World and Hamafitz, on Karp’s website, paintingzaidysdream.com, and on Amazon.com.
I can’t wait to read it! Mazal tov on your accomplishments
Mazal tov! I haven’t seen the whole book, but I saw the article in Had. Mag. I was so glad to be able to say “I knew that lady.” I hope you remember us. Sarah Michlin
Ther have been several books written by former frumme Yidden who r’l have lost their path, over the last few years … finally a book like this, what a breath of fresh air.
thnx for sharing good news!
Mendy Karp such an amazing special person.
Mazel Tov, Miriam!! What a great accomplishment!!! Can I say “I knew you when…….” – so far back….Huntington Woods, collecting pushkas, living in the same city a few times, WOW!!!!!!! Esther
Chana Faiga and Esty 🙂
Amazing!
You are a magnificent family, so much love.!
Mazel tov, Miriam! You are giving so much nachas!!!
So proud of all you have accomplished since our days together as fledgling BTs at the Chabad House of Ann Arbor!! You are gifted and remarkable…..Hatzlacha and continued nachas from your beautiful family.
Avraham and Nacha
A book or a building? lol! #Alum
Your very own chrepl
I just finished this book and thought it was amazing. It is so well written. There were so many ideas and emotions that she articulated to so beautifully.
read the book and it is excellent!!!! A must read book!!!
Mazel tov on the award! Everyone should read this book. The chapter that won the award is one of many beautifully written episodes, some humorous, some poignant. The story Miriam tells is both an account of her unique life experiences, and a thoughtful exploration of universal themes and concerns that everyone can relate to.