‘Welcome to Jewish Book Week 2026

This year, we mark Jewish Book Week’s 75th festival. At its heart, it remains a place where our community gathers to explore ideas that are bold, challenging, joyful, and deeply rooted in the Jewish literary tradition. As we reach this milestone, first envisioned by Dr George Webber in 1952, I thank everyone whose support has carried us here.

I warmly invite you to explore the festival programme and discover the many treasures of this anniversary edition, reflecting the distinctive quality that has defined Jewish Book Week: thoughtfully curated, ambitious conversations shaped by curiosity and passion. Our 75th festival is our most ambitious yet.

Over nine days, more than 160 speakers and performers – including Booker Prize winners, historians, novelists, musicians, actors, emerging writers and playwrights, journalists, and scholars – join us. Alongside our home at Kings Place, we host pop-up events across London, including the British Museum, British Library, and Bridge Theatre, as well as an extensive free online programme. I know you will find conversations that inspire, challenge, and move you. At a time when Jewish life feels threatened around the world, let Jewish Book Week be a beacon for everything rich, diverse, resilient, and magnificent about the Jewish experience.

Thank you for joining us in this very special year.’

Claudia Rubenstein, Director