The Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom,” both in the past and today, places great importance on publishing activities, which can be divided into two main направления. On the one hand, the organization regularly publishes the newspaper “Evreyski Vesti” (“Jewish News”) and the magazine “La Estreya”. On the other hand, through the books it publishes, Bulgarian readers are given the opportunity to explore topics important to the Jewish community that would rarely attract the interest of other publishing houses. The “Yearbook” of the Cultural and Educational Public Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria, and later of the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom,” is both an emblem of Bulgarian Jewry and a valuable source preserving concentrated information about the community over the years.
The newspaper “Evreyski Vesti” is one of the oldest printed publications in Bulgaria. Its first issue was published on November 1, 1933. At that time, many Jewish publications existed in Bulgaria, aiming to reflect the wide range of interests of the Jewish community. Still being published today, “Evreyski Vesti” effectively has an 80-year history, having only been suspended between 1941 and 1944 due to the Law for the Protection of the Nation.
Throughout its long history, the newspaper has gone through various stages of development, reflecting the political and social life of the country both before World War II and after September 9, 1944. Its editors have always sought to balance the political climate with the preservation of Jewish themes.
Following the changes in Bulgaria after 1989, “Evreyski Vesti” adopted a new profile. The publication aims to unite the Jewish community and provide a platform for diverse viewpoints. Its editors, along with the publisher - the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” - view the newspaper as a platform for pluralism within the community. It also has an educational mission, regularly publishing texts on Judaism, history, culture, folklore, and the daily life of Jews in Bulgaria and worldwide. “Evreyski Vesti” serves as a historical record of the evolving Jewish community in Bulgaria. In recent years, it has also been an active participant in strengthening ties between the Jewish community and Bulgarian society. The newspaper maintains a firm stance against antisemitism, xenophobia, and anti-Israel sentiment, both in Bulgaria and globally. A central focus of its pages is the State of Israel, its development, current events in the Middle East, and its pursuit of peace.
The newspaper received the Ethnic Tolerance Award at the 11th International Media Festival – Albena 2005.
For its 80th anniversary, “Evreyski Vesti” was also awarded the “Shofar” Prize for 2013 in the category “For overall contribution to the development of the Jewish community in Bulgaria.”
The newspaper is published monthly in an eight-page format, two of which are in color. It is distributed through subscription and direct sales by OEB “Shalom.”
Shortly after its 90th anniversary, the newspaper “Evreyski Vesti” also started an online edition. Its editor-in-chief is Ms. Mihaylina Pavlova.
The magazine “La Estreya”, published by the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom,” entered the media market in 2009. Its editors and publisher aim to promote the history, art, and culture of Bulgarian Jews to a wider readership. To achieve this, the publication provides a platform for authors and researchers from various fields.
The magazine features a series of articles dedicated to Judaism, as well as historical overviews of Jewish life in Bulgarian lands through the centuries. Special attention is given to the coexistence of Bulgarians and Jews, as well as to the contributions of notable Bulgarian cultural figures of Jewish origin.
“La Estreya” is a popular science publication that seeks to fill gaps in public knowledge about Bulgarian Jews and their role in the country’s history and culture. It is published twice a year and can be purchased at the “Balgarski Knizhitsi” bookstore and directly from OEB “Shalom.”
The “Shalom” Publishing Center has been an integral part of the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” since its establishment in 1991. Through its books, Bulgarian readers can explore a wide range of topics - both traditional and modern - related to the life, history, culture, spirituality, and traditions of the Jewish people. The publishing center is distinguished by high professionalism, engaging texts, and refined artistic design.
As part of the organization’s diverse activities, numerous texts on Jewish topics have been compiled over the years. While not necessarily intended as strictly academic works, they are valuable and useful to researchers and to anyone interested in learning more about Jewish religion, traditions, holidays, and customs.
