Books published by publisher Jewish Publication Society

An Israeli and a Palestinian girl struggle to maintain their friendship in the face of conflict; Noa, an Israeli Jew, and Maha, a Palestinian Muslim, are two very different teenage girls—who may not be so different after all. They’ve become good friends, but after a tragic incident that changes Noa and her family forever, Noa’s beliefs about Palestinian and Israeli relations are put to the test. Shocking secrets are revealed that affect both Noa’s and Maha’s lives and test their blossoming relationship. Checkpoints brings to life the realities teenagers in the Middle East face today, as politics and prejudice threaten to tear lives and relationships apart. At the same time, it serves as a testament to the power of love and friendship in an often chaotic world.

In the Southern Judea region, 3,050 feet above sea level, lies a city; some know it as Hebron, others Al-Khalil. In this city there sits a cave with three names: the Tomb of the Patriarchs, Ma’arat Ha’Machpelah, and al-Haram al-Ibrahimi. The cave is said to house the remains of a man and his family. The name can be pronounced Abraham, Avraham, or Ibrahim, but the man is the same. The Cave of Reconciliation is a book with two sides. Read from one end, it tells the story of Abraham and his son Isaac, flip the book and it recounts the tale of Ibrahim and Ismail. Told and illustrated in a simple style, The Cave of Reconciliation re-imagines the origins of one of the most complex conflicts of our time. Supplementary material includes maps, family trees, and a glossary of names. Endorsed as tool for interfaith dialogue, The Cave of Reconciliation is recommended by Jewish, Christian, and Muslim clergy. At a time when world events point to an ever-deepening and dangerous rift between Judeo-Christian and Islamic societies, this book offers a reminder of our commonalities and examines the source of our differences. Intended to promote dialogue and provoke thoughtful questions, The Cave of Reconciliation binds together two stories for one world.

Set in 15th-century Greece, this young adult novel tells the story of an extraordinary friendship between two boys from different cultural backgrounds. On the surface, Miguel, a refugee from post-Inquisition Spain, and David, the son of a wealthy Greek Jewish fabric merchant, have little in common. As they work together in David’s family shop, they find they share a special connection that goes beyond the divide of rich and poor, Spanish and Greek. Will an argument over David’s sister be more than their friendship can bear? A Shout in the Sunshine sheds light on an often forgotten part of Jewish history - the Greek Jewish experience. Set in tumultuous times for the Greek Jewish community, the book explores what happens when two distinct Jewish communities must learn to live together. In 1492 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella expelled the Jewish community of Spain. Sultan Beyazit II invited these refugees to Thessalonika, a community already home to a diverse Jewish population with deep roots in Greece. The melding of these different Jewish groups created a vibrant Jewish community that was, tragically, almost entirely destroyed during World War II. This book is a testimony to the remarkable nature of this once thriving world.

This delightful little picture book combines two of Sadie Rose Weilerstein's classic tales of the lovable Jewish “Tom Thumb,” with light-hearted, whimsical black and white drawings by award-winning illustrator Joe Boddy. Come share the marvelous adventure with the lovable Jewish “Tom Thumb." From the moment of K’tonton’s enchanted arrival, he takes readers on a magic carpet ride into the wonderful world of Jewish imagination. Where else could an etrog box be exactly the right size for a bed? And who else but K’tonton could stow away with his father’s etrog in order to join the Sukkot celebration in the synagogue, only to find himself swinging dangerously from the end of a palm frond! Share with a child this marvelous adventure of the enduring little hero and learn about the holiday of Sukkot and its traditions and rituals.

In the middle of the nineteenth century, many wealthy European Jewish families, lured by newfound political freedom and riches, abandoned the Torah way of life in favor of the ways of high society. When Edwad Lindenstein, the arrogant and frivolous scion of one such family, marries Minna, a religious girl, trouble lies ahead.This enthralling novelette traces Edward`s shifting fortunes from the capitals of Europe to the far-flung shores of Africa and South America. A tale of greed, deceit, piracy on the high seas, and the ultimate triumph of faith.

Shira and her parents were visiting Israel. They went first to Tel Aviv. \"Imagine, this city appeared like a miracle out of the sand,\" her mother said. And Shira imagined. All the stuffed animals from her bedroom back in America joined her in her imagination, appearing with buckets, ready to build castles in the sand. Wherever the family went, Shira imagined. And when she imagined, her animal friends accompanied her. Children will enjoy this first look at Israel. Black-and-white drawings of Israeli sites contrast with full-color images of Shira's thoughts. Giora Carmi's captivating art and simple, direct text encourage further comparisons of reality and fantasy in this charming picture book.

The mighty epic of Masada tells of Jews who preferred liberty to life itself. Their story centers on the bleak fortress of Masada in the Judean Desert after the conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Holy Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. Here, in a last stand, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes laid aside the differences that had crippled their resistance to the Romans and united in zeal for God and country. Their leader was Eleazar ben Ya’ir, one of the great freedom fighters of Jewish history. This story brings to vivid life people who might have taken part in this great episode of Jewish history. It tells of the bridal couple Adin and Ohada from distant Babylonia; the winsome Urzillah from Nabatea, child of the caravan trails of the East; and Justus from Alexandria in Egypt, with his faithful wife, Sara, a convert to Judaism. Survivors from Jerusalem may well have included boys such as Iddo, of the priestly tribe; his friend and rival, Aviel; and little Yitzhak, orphaned by the Romans and protected by Hannah, his grandmother and only surviving relative. Faith and courage belonged to them all—as they held a mighty Roman army at bay for three years. Even in their extremity they practiced and treasured the rites of their religion—blessing the new moon, circumcising the newborn infant, bathing in the mikveh (the ritual bath), and reciting the daily prayers. When all hope was gone they resolved to die as free men, women, and children. In turning their swords against themselves they ultimately denied victory to the Romans and the general Flavius Silva, for their memory has prevailed over that of their oppressors.

An Israeli and a Palestinian girl struggle to maintain their friendship in the face of conflict; Noa, an Israeli Jew, and Maha, a Palestinian Muslim, are two very different teenage girls—who may not be so different after all. They’ve become good friends, but after a tragic incident that changes Noa and her family forever, Noa’s beliefs about Palestinian and Israeli relations are put to the test. Shocking secrets are revealed that affect both Noa’s and Maha’s lives and test their blossoming relationship. Checkpoints brings to life the realities teenagers in the Middle East face today, as politics and prejudice threaten to tear lives and relationships apart. At the same time, it serves as a testament to the power of love and friendship in an often chaotic world.

In the dark and threatening world inhabited by the Jews of the German ghetto in the Middle Ages, a true light of wisdom and Torah scholarship shone forth in the person of Rabbi Meir of Rothenberg. Rabbi Meir's selfless struggle to help his fellow Jews and the unusual fate he endured as a consequence are recounted in this suspenseful tale, another of Dr. Lehman's captivating historical novels for young readers.