Books published by publisher Jewish Publication Society

Travel back in time to the ancient land of the Bible and prepare for an exciting tour of one of the world’s most treasured books. Learn how stories and customs from the Bible are part of our lives today, from the names that we’re given (David, Ben, Miriam, Rebecca) to the names of the places where we live (Bethel, Zion, Jericho); from the movies or plays that we watch (The Prince of Egypt) to the songs that we sing (“Go Down Moses”). Selections include a day in the life of a kid in ancient times; archaeological digs for Bible detectives; Bible recipes, crafts, and projects; and quizzes, brainteasers, and jokes.

The translation of the Tanya into English was a watershed event in Chasidic history, impacting the world spiritually and physically.The Tanya had already conquered the airwaves with the innovative "Tanya on the Radio" hosted by the late Rabbi Yosef Wineberg.The publication by Kehot of those pioneering classes in English, back in 1987, brought Chasidut to thousands of students around the world, becoming an essential tool for all those seeking spiritual guidance.As the world evolves and new innovations appear, the time has come to reconstruct and upgrade the learning experience offered by Lessons in Tanya.For the last three years, Kehot Publication Society has worked on revising and redesigning the entire five-volume set. Showcasing the new version in the life-giving publication, Chayenu, the aesthetically beautiful new edition has received rave reviews from readers around the world.

Of all the places in the world, Uri really loves to be at his grandparents’ house. There he can stay up way past his bedtime and eat as many sweets from the chocolate box as he likes. There’s only one forbidden place in that house: the third drawer in Grandpa’s desk. This drawer is locked. No one ever opens it until one day when Uri finds the key to the third drawer. From that moment, nothing is ever the same.Grandpa’s Third Drawer takes up the difficult challenge of discussing the Holocaust with young children, of teaching its heritage and memory, all in a gentle and unobtrusive manner. The story of a silent grandfather unexpectedly confronted by his curious and loving grandchild is accompanied by rich illustrations that show authentic preserved objects donated by Holocaust survivors from Theresienstadt. The original Hebrew edition won the Israeli Ze’ev Prize for Children’s Literature in 2003 and won the first prize in Mits’ad Hasfarim (a nationwide survey of all schoolchildren in Israel for first to third grades) in 2003 and 2012. Grandpa’s Third Drawer is now included in Israel’s “Paths of Memory” nationwide Holocaust learning program in all schools.

What fun! A Hanukkah book chock full of history, stories, activities, music, riddles, games, mazes, cartoons, puzzles, recipes, crafts, songs, and so much more. In this activity-packed, fact-filled new title in the enormously successful JPS Kids’ Catalog series, Adler provides just the right balance of education and entertainment. This is a book that children and their families will enjoy again and again, year after year. The opening section of the book explains the history and customs of Hanukkah, along with details on the traditional way to light the candles and celebrate the holiday. This is followed by a selection of wonderful stories written by such classic writers as I.L. Peretz and Sadie Rose Weilerstein, and modern tales by Johanna Hurwitz, Malka Penn, and other contemporary storytellers. Part Three is pure Hanukkah fun. A glossary, index, and annotated list of recommended books about Hanukkah are also included. Teachers and librarians will want this new Kids’ Catalog of Hanukkah for their bookshelves, and parents and grandparents will be pleased to have a new Hanukkah gift for their children and grandchildren. It contains enough enjoyment to last the eight days of Hanukkah and beyond.

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.

A Hanukkah Present as a National Jewish Book Awards Runner-Up in the category of Jewish Family LiteratureWelcome to the town of Chelm, Poland, a place filled with lovable fools sure to provide laughter for the entire family. The Brothers Schlemiel follows the lives of identical twins Adam and Abraham from birth to adulthood as they encounter thieves, Gypsies, kings, and love, celebrate good luck, and face challenges to their Jewish identity and family loyalty. Color illustrations by acclaimed artist Zevi Blum accompany the tale, turning the adventures of Adam and Abraham into a visual delight.

A brave girl’s adventurous journey from Bolshevik Russia to the Zionists’ settlement in the Holy Land. Sara, a Jewish 12-year-old in 1919 Russia, has spunk, independence, and a deep commitment to her heritage. Suddenly orphaned under mysterious circumstances, her home and shtetl destroyed, Sara begins a daring journey toward Budapest and her eventual destination, Palestine. On this amazing odyssey, Sara meets fascinating people of all sorts. Set against a backdrop of stormy historical events—pogroms, the influenza epidemic, the Bolshevik Revolution, and the struggle to create the State of Israel—this riveting young-adult novel is told with warmth, grace, and subtlety. Through the heart and mind of Sara, young readers will experience a world of connections between generations, genders, cultures, religions, and nationalities. Sara grows into a true follower of her father’s wise advice: “Be bold and brave, but not foolhardy.”

Translated by: Rabbi Zalman Abraham(Podoh BeSholom Nafshi)In contrast to other cultures, Judaism abhors ascetcism and total abstinence from physical dealings. Instead, it celebrates interaction with the physical as a possible and even ideal mode of divine service. Elaborating on this point, Chasidus, in its unique way, teaches a person hwo to live in a state of inner peace -- how to make peace in his relationship with G-d, and how to make peace with the world around him. Chasidus guides a person to be in control of his world and not to be tempted by his desires, and to devote all of his energies toward serving G-d -- without negating all of the basic obligations to the physical body and to others.The present Chasidic discourse speaks of the great transformation that a person can bring about by way of his interactions with the physical; how mortal man can unleash tremendous divine energy through a seemingly simple and mundane activity such as eating, drinking, and business dealings, so that these can be carried out truly for the sake of Heaven.