Library

Parasha Play for children of All Ages

A series of plays written for children by the author which covers every parashah in the five books of Moses. Good resource for Cheder.

Plots and Players

The time period is Elizabethan England, the world of Shakespeare, and the plot involves an attempt on Queen Elizabeth I's life. The man accused is a Portuguese physician and three chlordane (Jewish) attempt to save him as well as convince Wm. Shakespeare to soften his play about Shylock. Given that the Jews were driven out in 1290 and not returned until 1655, one might say this is all a little far-fetched. But it is a child's murder mystery.

Sadie

Manchester born, Berstein comes from an Orthodox family, and her work reflects the knowledge which has been handed down to her from generation to generation. It is a turn-of the-century(20th century) love story which moves form Manchester to London to New York. Sadie, the protagonist ends up in New York in Flo Ziegeld's 'Follies.' Then, she is on to Chicago, and to the South of France one step ahead of the German invaders. Good old-fashioned novel.

The Call of the Shofar and other Stories

Old and musty but charming children's story book (ages 4-10?). Titles of stories include: "The Call of the Shofar," "The Mirror," "The Bride," and "The Little Tyrant." Sweet.

The Dove Keepers

Novel which traces Jewish escapees from Jerusalem to Masada and their sad end during the violent times of the Roman occupation.

The Finkler Question

Howard Jacobson's Man Booker Prize winning novel which poignantly and humorously describes the dilemmas of later life crises involving three old friends who ponder whether it is better not to have loved at all than suffer the remorse and loss of past relationships. Discusses 'the human' questions about life and death as well as destroys many myths about 'the Jewish question.' Profound and insightful picture of people facing old age and modern life. Brilliant.

The Finkler Question

Howard Jacobson's Booker prize-winning novel about Jewish neurosis via Sam Finkler and his friends who review their lives in old age and how they come to terms with their losses regrets, and the changes in life that time encourages.

The Folklore of Cornwall

A collection of anecdotal and legendary histories of the Cornish county with references to Jewish presences and myths. Entertaining.

The Gilded Chamber

Fictional account of Queen Esther, the Purim Heroine following in the same tradition as Daimant's The Red Tent. Certainly personalises what already is a fairly accepted work of fiction.

The Hasidic Story Book

The charming tales with a message from, of course, the Baal Shem Tov, and also by other Hasidic rabbis. Included is the wonderful story of 'Aleph, Beth,' being humble about one's knowledge. Perfect for everyone, from twelve to one hundred.

The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon

Novel which transport readers back to the time of the Inquisition and the reign of terror that was for Jews and non-Christians in Portugal. Mystery involving murder, and mayhem, Kaballah and the plight of Jews during these violent times.

The Penguin Book of Jewish Short Stories

Lovely collection of stories from the 'greats' of Jewish short stories: I.L. Peretz, Sholom Aleichem, Lamed Shapiro, Abraham Reisen, S.T Agnon, Isaac Babel, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Emanuel Litvinoff, Aharon Appelfeld, Dan Jacobson, Philip RothSaul Bellow, Cynthia Ozick, Amos Oz, Bernard Malamud, and Muriel Spark. Doesn't get much better than this in terms of quality. All stories have Jewish themes.

The Prague Golem, Jewish Stories of the Ghetto

Illustrated and with pictures, the famous Jewish sites in Prague along with the stories associated with the Bohemian Jews, Rabbi Loew, the Golem, Mordecai Maisel and Pinkas Street are covered through this legendary narration. Charming depiction of humble, yet generous Jewish life long ago.

The Rabbi

The life of a rabbi from his early beginnings and inspirations in Massachusetts and New York, and the way in which Judaism shaped his life. A highly readable and spiritual novel.

The Star and the Sword

The setting is 12th Century England, so there were actually Jews in England then. This time the Jewish children are involved with none other than Robin Hood and the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham. Traveling with benign Knights, the children have a fine adventure. So much for reality.

The Temple

As a result of his experience with American troops liberating the death camps and Buchenwald, the main character is destined to build a synagogue and a Jewish community in a highly anti-Semitic county of New York state, Westchester. A wonderful novel which indicates what you can do if you are determined enough. Of course, the main character is fabulously rich so he can 'move mountains' much more quickly than most of us.

The White Hotel

Some narration, some poetry, some stream of consciousness, some letters: a mixture of a woman's journey -partly of the mind, partly of the body. Tense, confused, and compelling.