Contact: Donald Cohen-Cutler
212.650.4213
DCohen-Cutler@urj.org

 Entries Sought for 2008 Reform Judaism Prize for Jewish Fiction
Annual Prize Carries $5,000 Award

The Union for Reform Judaism is now accepting submissions for the 2008 Reform Judaism Prize for Jewish Fiction, an award designed to recognize and support the work of a promising author of a novel or story collection with a Jewish theme.

To qualify for the prize, the writer must have authored a novel or collection of short stories on a Jewish theme published originally in English in the United States or Canada between January 1, 2007 and May 31, 2008. Additionally, the writer must not have received a major book award, such as the Pulitzer Prize, Booker Award, or National Book Award, prior to the June 1 application deadline.

Created in 2003, the inaugural prize was presented to Dara Horn, a 26-year-old Harvard doctoral student, for her novel In the Image. Subsequent winners are David Bezmozgis, 2004 for Natasha and Other Stories; Jonathan Rosen, 2005 for Joy Comes in the Morning; Tamar Yellin. 206 for her book of short stories, Kafka in Bronteland; and Scott Nadelson, 2007, for The Cantor's Daughter, a collection of short stories.

In addition to receiving the cash award of $5000, the winning author will be featured in Reform Judaism magazine.

Applications must be submitted by June 1,2009 and will be accepted from authors and/or publishers. Application forms and requirements may be found online, or by contacting the Union at RJPrize@urj.org or 212.650.4221.

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The Union for Reform Judaism is the synagogue arm of the Reform Movement in North America, and represents 1.5 million Reform Jews in more than 900 congregations in the United States and Canada. The Union services include youth camps, music and book publishing, outreach to unaffiliated and intermarried Jews, adult education programs, and the Religious Action Center in Washington, DC..