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Iser
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Dec 12, 2020 02:04PM

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Iser wrote: "Just letting other members know that my book is currently in a giveaway ending tomorrow. Under My Bubbe's Wings presents my parents' true-life memoir of their Holocaust ordeals. Thi..."
Thanks for announcing, Iser, and best of luck to those who go for it. Happy Hanukah back to you!
Thanks for announcing, Iser, and best of luck to those who go for it. Happy Hanukah back to you!

2371 books | 134 friends
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Hi Rhea-
Congratulations on your book and award.
I can only imagine how thrilling this must be for you!!..."
Thank you so much for your kind words and gentle reminder, Stacey.

Rhea wrote: "Just joined and am excited to announce (in what I hope is the correct thread) that my 2019 novel, Rue des Rosiers, has just won the Western Canada Jewish Book award. It was also short-listed for th..."
My pleasure.
My pleasure.

Michael wrote: "Had a great experience last week. Live theater is non-existent, therefore it's moving into virtual performances. Theatre 40, Beverly Hills, had its first virtual performance with professional actor..."
Very nice.
What "is a certain age" ?
:)
Very nice.
What "is a certain age" ?
:)

The book answers the question: what would motivate a corporate lawyer to trade in his comfortable life in America for three weeks every year to volunteer for manual labor on Israeli military bases? I am the son of a Holocaust survivor, and an ardent Zionist, who was seeking a personal way to show support for Israel. This book is based on journals I kept during 14 volunteer stints on Israeli military bases from 2006 – 2019.
I describe what life is like on Israeli army bases for volunteers–from working through a desert sandstorm, to dealing with a scorpion in my bunk, to taking refuge in a bomb shelter during a Palestinian missile attack, and more. Through simple activities—from packing kitbags and medical supplies for the soldiers to filling sandbags and assembling tank antennas—the volunteers work hard to make their contributions to the defense of Israel. While working side-by-side with Israeli soldiers, a camaraderie develops between the volunteers and soldiers and that camaraderie is the reward for our service.
This book tells the story of a volunteer experience that has enriched my life and provides a roadmap for others to show their support for Israel. I hope you enjoy it!
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Israel...
Mark wrote: "Hello all, I’d like to let you know about my newest book, A Passion for Israel: Adventures of a Sar-El Volunteer. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin called it “a sort of ‘City Slickers’ with a Jewish twist” in..."
Ahh, Mark.
I know the answer to your question!!!
That doesn't matter now; what does is a thank you for announcing your book to our group.
Interesting analogy that Rabbi T makes. :)
Congratulations on your book, and we wish you well.
Don't be a stranger in the group. You just never know...
Warm regards,
Stacey
Ahh, Mark.
I know the answer to your question!!!
That doesn't matter now; what does is a thank you for announcing your book to our group.
Interesting analogy that Rabbi T makes. :)
Congratulations on your book, and we wish you well.
Don't be a stranger in the group. You just never know...
Warm regards,
Stacey

Touche'"
On Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, 7 pm PST I will have a virtual interview on American Jewish University's B'Yachad Together program with Prof. Michael Berenbaum to discuss "My Name is David: Search for Identity". B'Yachad serves 41 countries and all 50 states.

My publisher wants comp titles. Donna Horn's novels are obvious. Being a senior, I have mostly read 20th Century Jewish works.
I'm looking for titles of Jewish contemporary fantasies, not about the Holocaust, published in the past 5 years. Know any?
Carolyn wrote: "Help needed. My novel "Who Shall Live," inspired by Unetaneh Tokef, is being published by Black Rose in October 2021. It is a contemporary Jewish fantasy about a group from a Jewish community in In..."
Hi, Carolyn, congratulations on the upcoming publication of Who Shall Live!
Fantasy isn't my usual genre, but I do know about someone who writes about Jewish fantasy in the Jewish Review of Books: Michael Weingrad. Way back seven or eight years ago he became the subject of controversy after writing there is no Jewish fantasy; was eventually proved wrong and recanted. Here's an article from more recently that reviews a couple of Jewish books in that genre. https://jewishreviewofbooks.com/uncat... You get a couple of free reads even if you're not a subscriber, but it's a great resource and they are always offereing bargains for new subscribers. If you were, you could just search for "fantasy" on their website as I just did!
Good luck with your book. Maybe some other members have read some they can suggest.
Hi, Carolyn, congratulations on the upcoming publication of Who Shall Live!
Fantasy isn't my usual genre, but I do know about someone who writes about Jewish fantasy in the Jewish Review of Books: Michael Weingrad. Way back seven or eight years ago he became the subject of controversy after writing there is no Jewish fantasy; was eventually proved wrong and recanted. Here's an article from more recently that reviews a couple of Jewish books in that genre. https://jewishreviewofbooks.com/uncat... You get a couple of free reads even if you're not a subscriber, but it's a great resource and they are always offereing bargains for new subscribers. If you were, you could just search for "fantasy" on their website as I just did!
Good luck with your book. Maybe some other members have read some they can suggest.

Nick Hartgerink, former editor editor of an Australian newspaper wrote, 'Wall of Tears is an extraordinary book. Author David Kerr has successfully straddled that most bitter of divides, the Israel-Palestine imbroglio, to create a novel of both warmth and wisdom. Told through the eyes of Uri, the son of a Holocaust survivor, Wall of Tears explores the creation of modern Israel at a human level, through the experiences of a Jewish family and their Arab neighbours. There is conflict, love, betrayal, loss and a shattering conclusion – essential elements of a compelling read. And through it all there is a sense that the author has a deep understanding of and respect for the history and complex issues that continue to rob Israelis and Palestinians of peaceful co-existence.'
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

https://www.amazon.com/Name-Rebecca-N...
Visit my website: mirikalblog.com
Oh..Phyllis
That is, a wonderful tribute to the memory of your mother,
as well as writing your book. I agree with you that it's a tribute to all who took the challenge to move for a better life. What an honor.
If we don't save the history, the culture and ties that bind will fizzle out.
Congratulations to you on the book.
That is, a wonderful tribute to the memory of your mother,
as well as writing your book. I agree with you that it's a tribute to all who took the challenge to move for a better life. What an honor.
If we don't save the history, the culture and ties that bind will fizzle out.
Congratulations to you on the book.

I hope everyone had a fantastic week!!!! I would like to announce my latest novel “The Syndrome That Saved Us,” the fourth and final book in my most recent series called A Jewish Family Saga. The series follows the Schatzman family from America to Germany before and during World War 2. A horrific Anti-Semitic event that is based on a true story sets this series into motion. The final book in the series “The Syndrome That Saved Us,” is based on another true event. This time two of the family members find themselves in Italy when the Nazi’s arrive. It is in Rome that they meet a group of three doctors who invented a false disease, which they named syndrome K. A syndrome created to save Jewish lives. The Syndrome that Saved us is a tale of hope and of a few brave souls who refused to be intimidated by Hitler’s murderous regime.
I have included links to the novel via my website as well as the Amazon page, where you will find the official blurb as well as links to the book. The novel is available on Kindle Unlimited as well. I send you all many blessings and thank you for reading.
http://www.robertakagan.com/a-jewish-...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Roberta Kagan wrote: "Dear Friends!
I hope everyone had a fantastic week!!!! I would like to announce my latest novel “The Syndrome That Saved Us,” the fourth and final book in my most recent series called A Jewish Fam..."
Congrats to you on your new book!!
We are thrilled to have such a seasoned author in our group.
Roberta- your timing is amazing!!!!.
Under the topic of "What are you Reading" I posted about finishing this book.
I knew nothing about "Syndrome K." Fascinating!
Always wanting to learn more, I read a few articles regarding this subject, and found one that I will post under that particular discussion topic..
Wishing you all the best,
Stacey
I hope everyone had a fantastic week!!!! I would like to announce my latest novel “The Syndrome That Saved Us,” the fourth and final book in my most recent series called A Jewish Fam..."
Congrats to you on your new book!!
We are thrilled to have such a seasoned author in our group.
Roberta- your timing is amazing!!!!.
Under the topic of "What are you Reading" I posted about finishing this book.
I knew nothing about "Syndrome K." Fascinating!
Always wanting to learn more, I read a few articles regarding this subject, and found one that I will post under that particular discussion topic..
Wishing you all the best,
Stacey

January 27th, 2021 7:00 pm PST/10 pm EST
To register go to: www.aju.edu/michaelhalperin
“My Name Is David: Search for Identity”, unfolds a harrowing story of one’s boy journey to salvation and soul searching, with the help of unexpected heroes that tied their fates together in war-torn Europe.
Join him in conversation with Prof. Michael Berenbaum as they mark International Holocaust Day and discuss unlikely histories, traumas and redemptions.
Book available on Amazon or go to: latinobooks-com.3dcartstores.com/My-Name-Is-David... p 290.html
Michael, this looks very interesting.
I am curious regarding "life changing journeys."
Did I not read somewhere this wont be available on youtube as your other?
I am curious regarding "life changing journeys."
Did I not read somewhere this wont be available on youtube as your other?

Currently not on YouTube. AJU is working to archive all B’Yachad programming. The program live streams to over 14 countries worldwide and has over 16,000 subscribers. Trust you and others at Goodreads will consider registering.
Shabbat Shalom
Michael Halperin

I'm thrilled to let you all know that my historical fiction novel Rebel Daughter (Penguin Random House) comes out TOMORROW (never thought I'd write these words! )
If you like historical fiction, please check this out.
Based on a true story, this saga follows a young woman who will protect her family at all costs during the turmoil and destruction of first century Jerusalem.

https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/pb-...
Lori wrote: "Hi Everybody,
I'm thrilled to let you all know that my historical fiction novel Rebel Daughter (Penguin Random House) comes out TOMORROW (never thought I'd write these words! )
If you like histori..."
I've been seeing it. Congratulations, Lori!
I'm thrilled to let you all know that my historical fiction novel Rebel Daughter (Penguin Random House) comes out TOMORROW (never thought I'd write these words! )
If you like histori..."
I've been seeing it. Congratulations, Lori!
Congratulations Lori!!!
Wonderful news.
I did read your book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Your book cover is outstanding.
Wonderful news.
I did read your book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Your book cover is outstanding.

Sunday, March 14, 2021
12pm EST
It's a virtual event open to the public.
I am participating! Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew
Registration here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regis...

I'm thrilled to let you all know that my historical fiction novel Rebel Daughter (Penguin Random House) comes out TOMORROW (never thought I'd write these words! )
If you..."
Thanks so much Jan and Stacey!! I hope that members of this group like it!

I'm thrilled to let you all know that my historical fiction novel Rebel Daughter (Penguin Random House) comes out TOMORROW (never thought I'd write these words! )
If you..."
Thank you Stacey!!

https://www.amazon.com/Just-Get-That-...
Yaakov wrote: "Just Get On That Plane is a book about the monumental importance of making aliyah and moving to Israel. It has been described as "unique" and "blunt". Ebook and paperback versions are both availabl..."
Yaakov, your book must be in the genre of Hillel Halkin's Letters to an American Jewish Friend. Haven't read it yet but am now reading my second book by Halkin, whom I greatly admire. Best of luck with your book!
Yaakov, your book must be in the genre of Hillel Halkin's Letters to an American Jewish Friend. Haven't read it yet but am now reading my second book by Halkin, whom I greatly admire. Best of luck with your book!
David Kerr wrote: "So glad to find this group and the scope of subjects. Let me introduce myself. My name is David Kerr and I've recently published 'The Wall of Tears: The Human Face of The Israel - Palestine Conflic..."
Hi again David.,
Thank you for including the number of the post. It made it easier to find. I am so sorry I didn't see your introduction when you posted it.
At the very least, I saw your post from today, Feb 12, and responded
twice. Looking forward to your comments.
Thank you for joining.
Hi again David.,
Thank you for including the number of the post. It made it easier to find. I am so sorry I didn't see your introduction when you posted it.
At the very least, I saw your post from today, Feb 12, and responded
twice. Looking forward to your comments.
Thank you for joining.

The stories move between generations and between continents. From Israel to Poland, to USA, to Australia, to Buenos Aires...
Guri wrote: "I am happy to announce my new book: Third Wind. The book is written from a perspective of an Israeli person who is a second-generation son to holocaust survivors. It includes two stories about intr..."
Thank you for announcing your book, Guri, and welcome to the group!
Thank you for announcing your book, Guri, and welcome to the group!

I'm working on my third novel in which all the characters, themes, settings, etc. are Jewish. Characters insert Hebrew/Yiddish words in their dialogue that are commonly used, like Shabbat and bar mitzvah. Other words, like V'ahavta, are unfamiliar to non-Jews. How much explaining is needed, if any, for the novel to be accessible to people of all faiths?
Carolyn wrote: "Advice needed and apologies if this topic has already been covered.
I'm working on my third novel in which all the characters, themes, settings, etc. are Jewish. Characters insert Hebrew/Yiddish wo..."
Sorry for the delayed response, Carolyn. My opinion is maybe a brief parenthetical translation the first time. Also, Michael LeBrecht in our current nonfiction read has put a glossary at the beginning of the book. That's useful in case the reader forgets--but more typically found at the end. Just opinion! Maybe you'll get some other responses.
P.S. When it comes to familiarity with such terms and expressions, you'll find Jews all across the board. So some of us could use it, too!
I'm working on my third novel in which all the characters, themes, settings, etc. are Jewish. Characters insert Hebrew/Yiddish wo..."
Sorry for the delayed response, Carolyn. My opinion is maybe a brief parenthetical translation the first time. Also, Michael LeBrecht in our current nonfiction read has put a glossary at the beginning of the book. That's useful in case the reader forgets--but more typically found at the end. Just opinion! Maybe you'll get some other responses.
P.S. When it comes to familiarity with such terms and expressions, you'll find Jews all across the board. So some of us could use it, too!


in Forgiving Maximo Rothman, there were footnotes just translating the word not giving any further explanations. i did not find it intrusive but it depends on how often it occurs possibly. it is more convenient than flipping to a glossary to me if it is a frequent use of words that need translation.

"Jacob’s Courage: A Holocaust Love Story," chronicles the dazzling beauty of passionate love and enduring bravery in a lurid world where the innocent are enslaved and brutally murdered. This tender coming of age love story of two young Jews begins when the Nazi war machine enters Austria. Follow lovers Jacob and Rachael from their comfortable Salzburg homes to a decrepit ghetto, from there to a prison camp where they secretly become man and wife. Revel in their excitement as they escape through a tunnel, join the local partisans and fight against Nazis. Finally ride the terrifying, fetid train to Auschwitz. Stung by the death of loved-ones, enslaved and starved, the young lovers have nothing to count on but faith, love and courage. From desperation and despair, to unforgettable moments of chaste beauty, Jacob’s Courage examines a constellation of emotions during a time of brutality and genocide.
Current Publisher: Texas Tech University Press
Original Publisher, in Israel: Mazo Publishers
The Author is represented by AAA Books Unlimited.
Video Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9N7c...
Sample Review: "In Austria in 1939, young Jacob Silverman and Rachael Goldberg are in love. Jacob plans to go on to college. Then tragedy strikes as Hitler’s army invades Austria. All of the Jews are forced to live in a decrepit ghetto. Soon they are sent to a concentration camp, where Jacob and Rachael secretly marry. They are able to escape, through a tunnel, join local partisans, and fight in the resistance. They become separated during an attack on a German train, and Jacob is captured by the Germans. The partisan leader falls in love with Rachael and tries to protect both her and her unborn child until she can be reunited with Jacob.
This is a magnificent, gripping novel of breathtaking courage under extreme circumstances. Subtitled “a Holocaust love story” because of the relationship between Jacob and Rachael, the novel describes the considerable cruelties and inhuman behavior caused by the Nazis and experienced by the Jewish people in Eastern Europe during the war. The author places readers into the thick of it. You will share the pain and grief of this young Jewish couple as they are forced into imprisonment, as their friends and families are killed. The story is immensely readable, although the book is quite long. This is one of my favorite books this year."
------- Historical Novel Society:
“A tender, coming of age tale. This book shows the critical roles that love, determination, and steadfast belief play toward battling one’s demons both physically and mentally. Jacob’s Courage is ultimately a tribute to the triumphant human spirit.”
-------Jewish Book World
"And I Cried…This book brings the Holocaust to life and evokes emotions not found in many history books. Weaving together a story of love, passion, horror, and history, Weinblatt left nothing out.” -------- Sylvania Historical Society
Author Articles/Interviews
Jewish Book Council
Association of Jewish Libraries
Wandering Educators
Joey Pinkney Interview
Mike Angley
Morgen Bailey
Toledo Blade
Friday Author Interview Series
Thoughtful Reflections
Cobwebs of the Mind
Paper-Blog
Contact the author at charles.weinblatt@utoledo.edu.
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Smashwords, Texas Tech University Press.
Jacob’s Courage is a Kindle book. Order it here.
Visit the Facebook fan page for Jacob’s Courage: A Holocaust Love Story
Weinblatt is also the author of Book Marketing 101, Runaway Ducks, Lost & Found and Job Seeking Skills for Students. Visit his SMASHWORDS content here: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...

I wanted to share with you my book, Worlds Apart: The Stories of my Jewish Family in Twentieth-Century Europe.
It tells the story of my great-grandfather, Marcus, and his brother, Adolphe. They left their home in Warsaw at the turn of the twentieth century. Adolphe went to see work and start a family in Switzerland, whereas Marcus went east, inspired by his Communist beliefs, and ended up in Moscow. There, he was arrested and exiled. They never saw each other again.
A hundred years later, I rediscovered the missing part of the family and pieced together the stories hidden for generations.
The lives of Adolphe and Marcus, and those of their daughters and granddaughters, are set against the Russian Revolutions, Stalin's repressions, the persecution of Jews across Europe and the Second World War.
The book got some great publicity over the last few months (https://www.haaretz.com/life/books/.p...) and I would love for it to find a wider audience.
it's available via Amazon or bookshops in the UK and Barnes & noble in the US!
would love to get your thoughts and discuss!
www.nadiaragozhina.com
thank you!
Nadia,
You must be so proud of your new book.
Authors tell me when their book is published, the feeling of accomplishment is priceless.
Congrats on the book, and we wish you much success.
You must be so proud of your new book.
Authors tell me when their book is published, the feeling of accomplishment is priceless.
Congrats on the book, and we wish you much success.

I'd like to introduce my debut book, THE CRATE: A Story of War, a Murder, and Justice, a true crime intertwined with a Holocaust narrative - an odd mix of genres, I know.
THE CRATE tells the true story of a grisly murder that involved my family: underneath our cottage in Canada, we found a wooden crate, nailed tightly shut and hidden from view. We couldn't have imagined the contents... it turned out to contain a dismembered woman.
The discovery traumatized my family, especially my fragile parents: it dredged up their memories of surviving concentration camps, death marches, ghettoes. Evil in the past and evil in the present converge in narrative.
I felt I needed to tell the story of the victim as well as my parents' stories. The themes are relevant today: of anti-Semitism and hatred, violence and intolerance. I've spoken at Holocaust museums from the US to Canada to the UK.
The book won seven literary awards. Lee Child called it "impressive and important" and James Rollins said, "It's a gut punch, with such harrowing moments you have to stop and take a breath." The Jerusalem Post called it "exquisite."
If you read it, please let me know your thoughts. I do a ton of author talks, too, if you belong to a book club or organization needing speakers. Visit www.debbielevison.com. Thanks, all!
The Crate: A Story Of War, A Murder, And Justice
Hi Deborah,
How are you? Its been a long time... :)
I know you have had much success with your book; I read it
as well.
We wish you more continued blessings. !!!
How are you? Its been a long time... :)
I know you have had much success with your book; I read it
as well.
We wish you more continued blessings. !!!

How are you? Its been a long time... :)
I know you have had much success with your book; I read it
as well.
We wish you more continued blessings. !!!"
Stacey wrote: "Hi Deborah,
How are you? Its been a long time... :)
I know you have had much success with your book; I read it
as well.
We wish you more continued blessings. !!!"
Hey, Stacey! Great to connect again. And thanks so much for your kind words. How are you doing through all this craziness? Here in Connecticut we're okay, but my mom in Toronto (who you know from my book) is struggling with constant isolation. It's sooo hard to be far away. Do you know what the upcoming categories are for book club reads? I'd be so thrilled for The Crate to be eligible at some point!

THE HASIDIC REBBE'S SON.
LOGLINE: The murder of an ultra-religious student seeking refuge in her home forces an investigative reporter to explore the seedy underside of South Beach’s glitzy nightclub scene and the insular world of Hasidic Judaism to find his killer.
TWO PARAGRAPH SYNOPSIS: Boca Raton reporter Becks Ruchinsky is surprised when her son, Gabe, brings a frightened young man home from college and asks her to hide him. Menachem left his Hasidic community under mysterious circumstances and fears being kidnapped. Grateful to the young man for befriending her son, whose Asperger’s makes friendships difficult, Becks takes in the boy. Six days later, he’s found floating in a canal.
Police insist Menachem’s drowning was an accident but Becks isn’t buying. Her investigation takes her from the gritty underworld of South Beach to secretive Hasidic communities in Miami and New York. With the help of her ex-gangster father and a nosy Hasidic shopkeeper, Becks discovers the leader of a cult-like religious community is subverting rabbinic law to conceal ugly truths. As she uncovers layer upon layer of lies and deceptions, Becks discovers her son’s life may depend on her ability to unearth these secrets.
Hi Joan-
Im so glad you decided to post your newest book, as I see you have been a member since 2018.
It sounds great and I enjoy this genre.
I wish you much success and congrats on your book.
Best wishes,
Stacey
Im so glad you decided to post your newest book, as I see you have been a member since 2018.
It sounds great and I enjoy this genre.
I wish you much success and congrats on your book.
Best wishes,
Stacey

THE HASI..."
sounds interesting ... on my list

THE HASI..."
Sounds fascinating. Like you, I write fiction about 21st Century American Jewish issues. It's not as popular as Holocaust-themed literature, as far as I can tell.

We are eager to spread the word about this incredible book, if you're interested please send a message to the Henry Holt inbox and I am happy to send out some advance reader's copies to members of your group.
Thanks,
Maia

Thanks for sharing ... I will purchase this book as soon as it is available.
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