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Bio - Arthur Kurzweil
Often described as America's foremost Jewish
genealogist, Arthur Kurzweil's name has become synonymous with Jewish
genealogical research. His highly praised book, From Generation to
Generation: How to Trace Your Jewish Genealogy and Family History, has
become known as the definitive guidebook to the field. Arthur Kurzweil has
spoken before hundreds of Jewish groups on a variety of topics related to Jewish
genealogy. A co-founder of the very first Jewish
Genealogical Society in the 1970's, today there are nearly 70 Jewish
Genealogical Societies throughout the world.
Arthur Kurzweil is also the author of The Encyclopedia of Jewish Genealogy as
well as My Generations: A Course in Jewish Family History. My Generations
is a popular textbook that has been used for almost twenty years in many
synagogue schools throughout the United States and Canada.
Arthur has had a lifelong passion for books. Trained as a professional
librarian, editor-in-chief of the Jewish Book Club for 17 years, past president
of the Jewish Book Council, Judaica acquisitions editor and literary agent,
Arthur Kurzweil came to a personal conclusion that the ultimate book for him is
the one often described as the cornerstone of Jewish culture, the Talmud.
As a writer, Arthur Kurzweil has been published by New York Magazine, the L.A.
Times, the Miami Herald, Newsday, most of the national Jewish periodicals, and
for two years served as a weekly columnist for the Jewish Week of New York.
Arthur Kurzweil is the recipient of the Distinguished Humanitarian Award from
the Melton Center of Ohio State University for his unique contributions to the
field of Jewish education. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from
the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. For many years
he has been one of the most popular teachers at the annual conference of the
Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education as well as at Elat Chayyim:
The Jewish Spiritual Retreat Center.
Arthur Kurzweil is also an accomplished magician. A member of the Society of
American Magicians (founded by Harry Houdini) as well as a member of the
International Brotherhood of Magicians, Arthur Kurzweil blends his spiritual
interests with magical effects, adding his own insights and weaving together an
enchanting presentation for his audiences. In addition to his work as a literary
agent representing a number of authors, Arthur Kurzweil also serves as Judaica
consultant for Jossey-Bass, a division of John Wiley Publishers, where he has
begun to build another list of important Jewish books. A popular, engaging,
humorous and moving lecturer and entertainer, Arthur Kurzweil has spoken and
performed before hundreds of audiences of all ages.
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