Congratulations to Maxim D. Shrayer whose book, Leaving Russia: A Jewish Story (Syracuse University Press), was named a finalist for a 2013 National Jewish Book Award in the category of Modern Jewish Thought and Experience. Now in its 63rd year, the National Jewish Book Awards is the longest-running North American awards program in the field of Jewish literature. Established to recognize outstanding books of Jewish interest in various categories, it has earned its place as one of the nation’s premiere literary honors.