The Tenth Man: A Miracle of Jewish Faith and Friendship in New Orleans

by Artie Bennett, Shira Neiss (illustrator)

The true story of how a nearly 100-year-old synagogue and its elderly congregation found new life, hope, and community in New Orleans.

In Orthodox tradition, one needs ten Jewish men to perform certain prayers, but the nine elderly congregants of Anshe Sfard, all Holocaust survivors, had gone without a tenth person for a long time. Until a young man named Alex Brown happened to knock on the door and changed everything. Through small acts of service, like carrying the Torah to the bimah, Alex helped bring community life back to the shul.

In this heartfelt tribute to World War II survivors and the greatest generation, Artie Bennett captures everyday life at the synagogue and all the individual personalities of the men with humor and heart: who liked to play pranks, who liked to bicker, and who could slice a tomato so that not a single piece went to waste.

They were tailors, shoemakers, grocers, schmatte sellers, deli owners, and ironworkers—and their stories continue to live on. Movingly illustrated by debut illustrator Shira Neiss, The Tenth Man shows how even the smallest acts of service can keep a community and its memories alive.

Back matter includes more information, a glossary, a bibliography, and photos.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Jewish, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Linda]

In Orthodox Jewish tradition, a tenth man is needed in order to perform certain prayers. The Anshe Sfard synagogue, with only nine members, all Holocaust survivors, had continued to go without a tenth man for a long time. This beautiful book is based on a true story about Alex Brown, who was feeling very low when he walked by the synagogue and heard singing. It was in such bad shape, he thought it was abandoned, but the singing made him open the door, and that is when he became “the tenth man”.
Artie Bennett, known for his funny books like The Butt Book and more, heard a bit of the story at the shiva house of his late mother-in-law, then knew he wanted to discover more, and he did! Shira Neiss brings Artie’s story to life with her watercolor illustrations, swirling across every page!
The backmatter includes a memorial page for the men Alex first met and helped, as they helped him; some history; an Afterword; more of Alex’s story; a glossary; and a source list.
I enjoyed it very much! Thanks to Holiday House for my copy!

[David Rosenfeld]

In his first Jewish-themed book, The Tenth Man, Mr. Bennett tells the true story of what may be considered a modern-day miracle. Despondent young man Alex believes he is out of options when he finds that he is sorely needed just for being himself. As the story unfolds, Alex finds salvation in a symbiotic relationship in which he helps the congregants with various aspects of the synagogue service, and they help him simply by appreciating his presence. The end of the book provides a Memoriam, a history summary, and a Backstory to engage the reader, as well as a Glossary to explain words and terms with which the reader may not be familiar.
I highly recommend this book!

[Rachelle Burk]

A reader will learn a lot from this sensitive, compelling, and well written true story.
I'm a native New Orleanian, and found it
unexpectedly nostalgic. I grew up in the same city at the same time as Alex Brown, though my family went to a different synagogue nearby. In the backmatter information about the men in the book, I recognize some of the last names. Undoubtedly, my family members knew at least some of them, and they are likely grandfathers of some of my friends growing up!
This is an important, historical book that demonstrates the impact of one's spiritual life and the power of making a difference in your community.

[Liza Wiemer]

Inspired by true events, this is a timeless story about a young man who loses his way and finds it again in the Orthodox synagogue his grandfather used to attend with him as a child. This book delves into the importance of being the tenth man and illuminates how showing up to help those in need not only enriches their lives, but also our own. The rich illustrations pair beautifully with the heartfelt, emotional text, creating a satisfying and uplifting story. An excellent book for teachers, parents, and grandparents to discuss with elementary school students and middle school students to read on their own.

[Liz H]

The Tenth Man is a beautiful and heartfelt story about how one small act of kindness can breathe new life into an entire community.

Artie Bennett brings the elderly congregation of Anshe Sfard to life with warmth, humor, and genuine affection, while Alex Brown’s arrival creates a touching connection between generations. I especially enjoyed how the story honors Holocaust survivors not only through their history, but through their personalities, friendships, routines, and everyday moments.

[Chris]

Wonderful.

[Awjtf]

So touching! A true story!

[Julie Ditton]

By orthodox Jewish tradition, one needs a minyan comprised of ten men in order to say many prayers, including the kaddish, the prayer for the dead. When a depressed young man heard heard singing coming form the open windows of an old temple, he became the tenth man the tiny congregation needed. Artie Bennet's beautiful story of mitzvah and intergenerational friendship tells how Alex Brown helped the tiny congregation of elderly holocaust survivors at Anshe Sfard, and in turn found friendship, family and purpose. The watercolor illustrations by Shira Neiss brings the story to life. This touching story is followed by an extensive afterward with a memorial to the original men that Alex first befriended, a glossary of Yiddish and Hebrew terms, a history lesson and a note about Alex's life after her left the congregation.

I recommend this story for its messages of Mitzvah, history and friendship.