Book Launch: The Thirst by Hillel Zeitlin

Hillel Zeitlin’s The Thirst, first published in Hebrew in 1910, is a mystical work of poetic prose, tracing a spiritual odyssey from existential despair and desolation to a renewed sense of the wonder and mystery of being. Across six chapters, Zeitlin seeks, questions, despairs, and persists, writing from the tension between God-finding and God-losing, divine presence and divine absence.

This new bilingual publication is translated, annotated and introduced by Nathan Wolski, and features illustrations by exhibiting artist Tunni Kraus, in their latest collaborative creation.

Presented in partnership with Monash University’s Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation (ACJC), this official book launch features the exhibition of illustrations from the book, presentations by the contributors, and live music by Yiddish band The Bashevis Singers. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

date: Sunday 22nd November 2026

time: 5pm - 7pm

location: Jewish Museum of Australia 6 Alma Road St Kilda VIC 3182

tickets