Book Review: Gilgul I: Re-dedication

Gilgul I: Re-dedication by Emily Singer is a fascinating and compelling fictional retelling of the Chanuka story written for children. With the great success of the Harry Potter series, many Jewish authors have taken themes from our history and expanded them  with magic and mysticism especially for youth.

Considering that Israel is now at war for its survival, and Jews in the Diaspora are dealing with a rise in antisemitism that had been unthinkable even a year ago, this really is the time to give your children a book of Jewish heroism and hope, like Gilgul I. 

In this interview with Singer, you can read of how she felt the need for the book, even in simpler times.

David, just fifteen 15, and his sister Leya are the heroes of this behind the scenes biblical adventure. Their father defies the Greeks by secretly teaching Torah, while producing exquisite wooden furniture with the help of his children. 

Like many biblical heroines, Leya is brave and practical, even more so than the males. Her prowess with the bow and arrow are, davka, superior to David's who prefers playing Skyros, similar to rugby but much more dangerous. His extraordinary talent has been noticed by a royal Greek player making David's life much more complicated. 

Yes, I recommend Gilgul I, which can be ordered from Amazon.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hakodesh Press (November 13, 2018)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 6202455276
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-6202455275

Your Best Chanukah Picture of The Holiday!

I'd like to challenge/invite you to participate in this meme.  I'll list a few bloggers at the end of the post, but everyone who wants can/should join in.  Just link, post and spread the word!

Chanukah is probably the most photogenic of all Jewish holidays.  It has the advantage of not being burdened by any restrictions, and besides lighting the Chanukiya, Chanukah Menorah,  adding the "Al HaNissim,"  "About the Miracles" to some prayers and saying the "Hallel," "Praise," we can go about our usual daily routine.  In Israel the kids are off from school making it both a great family time and complicated logistics when neither parent is a school teacher.  Most people find themselves taking lots of pictures, because unlike the Passover seder, it's permitted.

Now, about my best Chanukah Picture from this year...
Like most great pictures, this wasn't planned at all.  I was rushing down to a neighbor's Bat Mitzvah when I spied this great scene.

I was afraid that the cat would flee before I finished shooting, but it was so comfortable that it didn't move.

I hope that Seraphic Secret, Ricki's Mom, Leora, Ilana-Davita, RivkA, Elder of Zyon, Isramom, Tikkun Olam, Sharon's Voices, Frum Satire and Our Shiputzim will participate in this meme.  And of course, anyone else who wants to.