It’s vacation time, and my children and I are enjoying spontaneity, lack of formal schedule, exploring places we’ve never been to, painting their rooms, and just spending lots of time together as a family. I haven’t had much time to work, but some articles were published this week, though the one in The Tachlis Magazine I wrote week ago: Being Jewish in Tokyo (page 48).

Two articles in Jewish Home LA: on Israel advocacy on campus at University of California, Irvine and on Los Angeles volunteers in Israel helping feed the poor.

Have a wonderful Shabbos!

Two short articles in Jewish Home this week: on the appointment of new dean at Touro College LA and on the new KosherQuest app that helps access kashrus information on the go.

My novel, Swords and Scrolls, is almost ready to go to print! I received a proof, my daughters and I went through it, found some typos and the like, and sent in the corrections. IY”H will keep you posted. For now, here’s the blurb from the back cover:

It’s not easy being a teenager in Eretz Yisrael in the days of King Antiochus. Fifteen year old Elisha is curious about the mysterious new building in Yerushalayim, while his newly married cousin Rivka is suspicious of the changes that threaten to disturb her peaceful existence. Rumors abound that a large army is on its way. Will Rivka have the courage to stand up for her beliefs? Will Elisha win the battle raging in his soul?

Have a wonderful Shabbos and an easy and meaningful fast!

In case you didn’t get a chance to read this story in Inyan last year, I just put it up online. If you’re on the Torah through Literature mailing list you should be getting the link in your email.

Otherwise, you can get it here.

If you don’t have internet access please email me directly and I’ll be happy to email it to you as an attachment.

The story is about the Beis Hamikdash — timely for the Nine Days. Hope you enjoy it!