“It is a gift to write,” said author Sarah Aroeste on the third day of PJ Library’s Summer Writing Retreat.
Applause quickly rose from the other authors in the room, accompanied by enthusiastic nods and cheers.
That gift — dedicated time and space to create — was the heart of PJ Library’s Summer Writing Retreat. From August 23 to 27, a group of 16 established and emerging authors and four PJ Library staff members gathered at the Boyds Mills Retreat Center in Milanville, Pennsylvania, for a retreat centered on creativity, community, and — perhaps most importantly — protected writing time.
Bird’s-eye view of Wednesday's Author Q&A panel
Participants traveled from across the United States, Canada, and as far away as Israel to strengthen their picture book manuscripts, learn from publishing professionals, and connect with fellow writers committed to creating meaningful Jewish stories for young readers.
Each day of the retreat focused on a different stage of the creative process.
On the first evening, participants set intentions for their time together and used guided conversation cards to get to know one another.
Left to right (back table): Nimrod Dweck, Lili Rosenstreich — Left to right (front table): Erica Perl, Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs, Enid Baxter Ryce, Sarah Aroeste, Richard Ho
The next morning, a keynote panel brought together three leaders in North American Jewish children’s publishing: Leila Sales of Kar-Ben Publishing, Dena Neusner of Apples & Honey Press, and Lili Rosenstreich of Kalaniot Books. The panelists shared their perspectives on developing Jewish children’s books, bringing them to readers, and uplifting Jewish stories within the broader publishing landscape. (Perhaps notably, all three began their careers in general-market publishing before turning their focus to supporting Jewish literature!)
Left to right: Lili, Dena, Leila
“I loved the publishers panel and was so impressed by the commitment of these publishers and PJ Library to have them in person with us,” said author Lauren Kasiarz. “It was a huge investment — and a meaningful one — because we got to hear directly from these publishers about what’s important to them, how they perceive the industry landscape changing, how they work with PJ Library, and more.”
As the retreat continued, workshops and presentations invited participants to consider the child reader at every stage of their writing. During a session on crafting memorable characters, the group read Leon Ben-Tzion the 14th, written by Nevo Ziv z”l and illustrated by Shahar Kober.
Together, participants explored how character, family history, and emotional stakes can work together to engage young readers. The authors then applied those lessons to their own projects through character exercises and peer workshops.
Author Alan Silberberg sharing his character exercise
Later sessions focused on revision and offered opportunities to learn directly from PJ Library staff about publishing, acquisitions, and book selection.
“Everything validated how intentional PJ Library is in making selections, and it was affirming to hear the thoughtfulness that goes into the process,” Kasiarz said.
The retreat also made room for laughter and the joy of storytelling! During the final evening’s open mic, writers shared excerpts from their work — including author Richard Ho, who read from two new manuscripts, both written during the retreat! — and “The Write Girls” brought down the house with a spirited rendition of a Spice Girls-inspired publishing song, complete with choreography.
Participants also enjoyed a preview of Heidi Stemple’s picture book The Big Bad Thing, a featured part of PJ Library's upcoming resources to help adults talk with children about antisemitism and build Jewish pride. They laughed along as Sarah Aronson shared a snippet from her novel for adults, cheered for Erica Perl’s drawing of a rabbi who just happens to be a pigeon, and joined Aroeste for spirited lyricism and song during an original kantika.
Finally, the participants listened — and enthusiastically applauded! — as acclaimed author Lesléa Newman read a poem she wrote during the retreat called “A Yid is a Yid.”
These moments proved that writing may happen individually but stories grow stronger through community.
Left to right: Keely Grand, Enid Baxter Ryce, Nimrod Dweck, Chris Barash, Naomi Shulman
By supporting these storytellers, PJ Library reinforces its commitment to helping children understand themselves, their families, and the many ways of being Jewish.
