Hadassah Magazine's Guide to Jewish Literature

Civil Disobedience is a responsible way for people to change public policy. Ben-Noon carefully describes its role and how Israeli courts and tribunals have made mistakes confusing conscientious objection, political objection and non-violence, causing potential harm to responsible citizens.

A book club favorite and finalist for the National Jewish Book Award, this acclaimed memoir of growing up a Turkish Jew in a fortune-telling, belly-dancing family illustrates Sephardic life, the foods, fear of the Evil Eye and the author’s struggle to walk again after polio. Booklist calls it “A joy to read…a profoundly moving memoir.” Now in paperback with Discussion Questions!

The year is 1987. Rachel Martin is a bright, sensitive 13-year-old who feels that nothing will ever turn out right for her. Self-conscious about her looks, Rachel feels doomed to forever live in her beautiful older sister’s shadow. The one anchor in Rachel’s life is her father, but even he won’t be able to protect her from the events that lie ahead—until an older woman with a dark and mysterious past comes to take over Rachel’s English class—and from then on nothing is ever quite the same.

A fascinating look at one of the Bible’s most formidable women! Abandoned and penniless, Delilah vows to one day defeat the men who have wronged her. Samson is the key to her victory: To become a woman of prominence, she must seduce—then betray—the hero of the Hebrews.

Strengthening and renewal of spirit is essential throughout the journey called life. Discover effective approaches, perspectives, vignettes, exercises, sacred texts in translation and stories from leading Jewish spiritual teachers, scholars and guides. Seeking and Soaring also guides you in healthy Jewish practices for navigating experiences such as transitions, fear, emotional pain, illness, addictions, grief, longing, authentic prayer, ritual, ancestors, rites of passage, character, physical challenges, blessings and much more.

In Tel Aviv, under daily missile attack during Operation Desert Storm, when every heart seeks comfort and companionship, complex affairs and a world of crisis bring conflicts of love, betrayal and unforeseen commitments. A young charismatic nurse lives and works by her own code of honor in a strict Orthodox hospital—until one day a married doctor emerges with a campaign of seduction that could endanger her livelihood, reputation and self-respect. “…a powerful first-hand look at what everyday life was like in Israel when most Americans were watching Shock and Awe on the 24-hour news channel.”—Mike Ball, Erma Bombeck award-winning author.

2016 IPPY Bronze Award Winner Until her enchanting French mother died and her famous uncle became her guardian, Paige never knew the pain and passion of the secrets in a hidden diary. She never knew the Holocaust was part of her story. A stunning novel of uncovering your past and discovering your future.

The story of Jewish Cuba before Castro, now in its second edition, has been updated and expanded. The story is told in the voice of a young girl who grows up on the island, the child of a Holocaust survivor. The second edition includes her life after immigrating to the States.

Amusing. Seductive. Stimulating. We’re talking about the Talmud? That’s right. Take 50 actual Talmudic discussions, mix in pithy sayings by luminaries like Mae West, Amy Schumer, George Washington and Gandhi, add a few cartoons, and voilà—best-selling author Maggie Anton reveals how Jewish tradition is more progressive, and more bawdy, than one might think. Delighted and enlightened readers will come away with a new perspective on what the ancient Jewish sages say about our most intimate relationships.

Talking about religion and politics causes heartburn among some people, but for Steve and Joyce Foster, religion and politics have been at the heart of their marriage for 50 years. The Fosters have been national leaders through their social justice work on issues of civil rights, gay rights, women’s rights and mental health awareness. Their book is a candid story of sacred service and love.

#1 in The Charlie Series ~ A Saga that Spans Four Continents!

“Smith’s books have the pace and heat of Jacqueline Susann and the style and sophistication of Dominick Dunne.”—Amazon Reviewer. Charlotte (Charlie) is struggling to cope with the loss of her beloved father, her sister’s resulting mental breakdown, and the discovery that she’s now penniless. Fortunately, Raul, an admiring young attorney, offers assistance to the traumatized young woman. Charlie embarks on a journey that leads to distressing truths about her father, crimes great and small, and a diabolical villain.

#3 in The Charlie Series  ~ A Saga that Spans Four Continents!

At turns suspenseful, surprising, dangerous, and sizzling hot, this third installment in the riveting “Charlie” series is the book fans have been begging for! “Smith wrangles faith, desire, fear, and random hilarity into a captivating tale full of surprises.”’—Author & reviewer Valley Brown.

With compassion and candor, the author lyrically pieces together her fractured childhood in France, after losing her earliest memories. The Bones of Time depicts three generations of family, linked by their common desire for a home free from prejudice. Set primarily in Paris, Richman’s memoir also captures the zeitgeist of this beautiful city, wounded and broken by the war, but still resilient and resplendent.

Kirkus Reviews: “An accomplished debut novel.” “Goldsmith’s ear for dialogue is superb.” “Payoff is smoothly and confidently orchestrated.” A young female rabbi starting a Jewish community in Alaska encounters a visiting egocentric and narcissistic, recently-widowed Miami Beach cosmetic surgeon who, together with his troubled son, finds redemption and a path back to Judaism, life and love amongst the Frozen-Chosen. Other reviews on Amazon.

The perfect bedtime reading book from a grandparent or for a grandparent to read with their grandchild. “Peluche” is a fluffy little teddy bear found at a Goodwill store (a “metzia”) who is adopted by his new Bubbe. He finds a new home filled with sweet adventures with Bubbe, Zayde, their family and interesting people in their lives. What are their own grandchildren doing? What do other grandparents around the world do? Who is Bubbe making cookies for this time? Snuggle up with Peluche and some warm bedtime reading memories. Children love to share this with their own favorite fluffy friends!

Betty Washington’s father never spoke to her about his role in WWII. But after he suddenly and suspiciously died, Betty uncovered his astonishing heroism. Recruited as an American secret operative connected to the Underground in Germany, he infiltrated SS headquarters in order to gain Hitler’s personal trust—risking everything to save his fellow Jews and then to preserve humanity in the hell of Russian-occupied Berlin.