Hadassah Magazine's Guide to Jewish Literature – July/August 2022

Named one of the Best Books of 2021 by Kirkus Reviews.  “A compelling work…poignant and eloquent.” (Starred Review). Mira Adler, growing up in a town on the post-WWII Canadian prairies, learns about life and love from her Yiddish and violin teacher, Chaver B, a recent immigrant from Prague. Perfect for Purim, the holiday plays an important role in Mira’s growing consciousness in this coming-of-age novel about music, love, friendship, community, and religion. Winner of the Independent Press Award and a New York City Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite. Ideal for book clubs, Bat/Bar-Mitzvah gifts, adults/young adults. 

Elisa Robyn has topped herself with her latest book, Dark Fire. The main character, Tamra discovers her connection to the biblical Tamar and the women of the dark. She heads on a mystical journey to recover a stolen book of magic that holds astrological secrets. She is joined by a sexy partly vampire, a magical closet, and pet octopus. Her passions take her into a whirlwind of magic and magical beings–with a touch of erotic and exquisite mystery all culminating with Tamra’s discovery of the ancient guides and teachers who help her heal the lineage wounds in the descendants of Tamar. 

Inspired by a real-life incident. When a favorite teacher gives an assignment requiring students to pretend they’re Nazis and debate the Final Solution, two brave teens speak up and refuse to participate. The situation explodes, forcing the school and larger community to confront antisemitism and bigotry. What does it take for tolerance, justice, and love to prevail? Find out in this riveting, fast-paced, multi-award-winning novel.

A musical story celebrating and honoring the special relationship between grandparents and a grandchild. This new re-designed hardcover edition features fresh lyrics, a toe-tapping memorable melody and colorful illustrations that mirror moments of joy this special bond brings. Use the digital download code printed inside the book to download the song. Reading, listening and singing together, will create memories that will last a lifetime!

“Fast paced with an original, exotic setting, HIP SET is an unstoppable read from first page to last.” Faye Kellerman, best-selling author. A noir thriller set in modern-day Tel Aviv, HIP SET begins with what appears to the police to be a simple murder but swiftly takes our heroes through the hidden lives of Sudanese refugees and the violent underground economy of Russian gangsters, in search of an ancient mystery, lying untouched in the desert for millennia, that has been troubling scholars since it first appeared in the Old Testament itself.

Days are bad in the Great Depression of the 1930s. But for little Willie Mittleman and the Mittleman clan in their Bronx, NY neighborhood, life is still good, proving that laughter and love will always be the lifesaving forces to rescue us from adversity and pain.  A big-hearted gem. Funny, touching and insightful.  For readers of all ages.  

“How does the Hebrew Bible fit into the lives of Jewish Women today?” has become a central question to Modern Jewish life.  Combining the seemingly antithetical interests of the Biblical text and feminist thinking, well-known, little-known, and the author’s own Midrashic stories about the laws are told to make the Bible relevant to modern readers.  Early reviews emphasize this book’s literary content and comprehensiveness.

Become a teacher, get married, have children – these were the expectations for Jewish girls in the 1950s. If you wanted something more, there were problems. Based on memories of the Bronx neighborhoods of Pelham Parkway and Parkchester, the feel of the time and place are recaptured. “Wonderfully vivid” – Richard Lederer, best-selling author and columnist.

The owner of Soul Mates Unlimited™️, Judith Gottesman, MSW, is a Jewish matchmaker and dating coach. In Your Soul Mate Awaits! A Matchmaker Reveals How to Find Love and Happiness in 3 Simple Steps, Judith takes on much more than just dating, to illuminate today’s relationship questions. Judith understands how frustration, self-doubt and uncertainty plague those looking for a soul mate connection. Whether readers are looking to date for the first time, for the first time in a long time, or just need a new approach, Judith reveals the tricks of the trade to find a romantic partner. 

An award-winning and riveting historical novel of four generations of an immigrant family. When matriarch Ida escapes a pogrom in Ukraine determined to save her family, she cannot foresee the struggles of her descendants. Through war, mental illness, secrets and betrayal, each generation’s actions impact the lives of the next, as love and loyalty is tested by secrets and betrayal. You will recognize these family members and grieve and rejoice with them. Readers cannot put the book down. Gift it for the holidays. Pick it for your book club and author will Zoom with you for a lively conversation. 

Art curator Daniel Singer,  adopted son of Colonel Samuel Singer receives a mysterious package from Germany. He can’t help but think that there’s something important within the envelope. But what? Daniel’s quest to learn about the package’s contents leads him on a voyage of discovery about his roots,  an encounter with the Mossad, Israel’s secret spy agency. As he searches, he unlocks the secrets of three families- one American and two German-following them from the dying days of WWI, to the rise of Adolf Hitler, WWII, the Holocaust, the birth of the State of Israel and three Middle East wars.  

Meredith Perkins enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle, courtesy of her husband’s hard work and diligence—until his crime turned her world upside down. Friends deserted her while protecting their own secrets, until their lives also crumbled. Four women thought they knew everything about each other—but they were wrong. When a pristine covering of snow melts, well-hidden secrets are revealed. “A stunning debut” (KKEC Reads).

In this humorous foray into the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, Ayelet Weinberg defends the charedi doctrine of strictly separating women and men, while Steve Lincoln believes in the feminism of modern Orthodoxy.  They are thrown together in the grief counseling program at the Detroit Jewish Center. Unexpected things happen … they always do … and their ‘oil and water’ relationship, slowly transforms.

Meet Maya Rimon, Israeli intelligence agent, on the trail of the lost Second Temple Treasures and the murderer who stole the treasure map. Based on an authentic Dead Sea Scroll, this mystery thriller is powered by religious zealotry, greed, and scholarly puzzles. A Jewish Da Vinci Code!