Ellin Bessner interviewed me and Dave Fleishman for her podcast, The CJN Daily. As of July 7/21, it’s now out in the world. I’m happy to share the interview about Jacob and the Mandolin Adventure. Enjoy!
https://thecjn.ca/canadas-schindler/
In the JWA!
I’m delighted to be mentioned in a recent (June 23, 2021) article, “Twenty-First Century Jewish Women Writers in Canada”, by Dr. Catherine Caufield for the Jewish Women’s Archive (JWA). The article presents a fascinating overview of the literary scene in various regions of Canada, and the Jewish women writers who reflect upon identity, culture, and heritage through various literary genres. Here’s the link: https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/twenty-first-century-jewish-women-writers-in-canada
Q&A on Deborah Kalb’s blog!
My first Q&A on a blog! Deborah Kalb was kind enough to interview me about Jacob and the Mandolin Adventure. Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3td0S65. Thanks to Deborah for asking some great questions and giving me time and room to answer them. So exciting!
Virtual Book Launch
Jacob and the Mandolin Adventure was officially launched on Sun. March 21, 2021. Here’s the YouTube video of the launch.https://youtu.be/PGAp1-bZsBY
I enjoyed sharing this launch with my writer-friend, Rona Arato, whose new book is Righting Canada’s Wrongs: Anti-Semitism and the MS St. Louis (Lorimer Press). Two different stories but both connected in many ways.
AJL Authors Showcase
On Tues. Nov.17, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) will be having an Authors Showcase in celebration of Jewish Book Month. This is part of the “AJL Presents” series of virtual events that are open to members AND to the general public. I’m pleased to participate in this event to talk about my new historical novel, Jacob and the Mandolin Adventure. https://secondstorypress.ca/kids/jacob-and-the-mandolin-adventure?rq=jacob%20and%20the%20mandolin%20adventure
Register for this FREE event at https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZYtdu6urjMqHtdKE…
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Enjoy this preview of new books!
Presenting at Limmud Toronto!
On Sun. Nov. 22, 2020, I’ll be on a panel with authors Tziporah Cohen and Kathy Kacer at the virtual Limmud Toronto conference. The topic is: “More than Menorahs: A Conversation with Authors of Jewish Children’s Literature”. Sidura Ludwig will moderate the discussion.
How do writers of Jewish books for children balance the need to provide educational and celebratory books about Jewish holidays and tell important Holocaust narratives while still ensuring a diversity of Jewish stories? Where are the stories about contemporary Jewish kids, about Sephardic kids, or about lesser-known happenings in Jewish history? Why isn’t the range of Jewish identity reflected in books for young readers?
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to the Limmud Toronto website: https://www.limmud.ca/
My Readings in Portugal
On March 9, 2020, before the coronavirus attacked Portugal and closed all schools down, I had the opportunity to speak at the Oeiras International School near Lisbon. Mrs. Linda Patient, head of the Humanities department, welcomed me warmly to the school as did the principal, Mr. Steve Lewis. I gave presentations to Grade 6 and 7 students of A Cage Without Bars and was delighted with the intriguing questions the students asked.
As of this writing, there have been over 10,000 cases of coronavirus in Portugal and over 250 deaths. My heart goes out to the warm and generous people of Portugal, and to everyone affected by this devastating plague. I hope that we will soon see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Speaking at the Liberation75 conference
On June 1, 2020, I’ll be speaking at the Liberation75 Conference in Toronto. My interactive session will be about “The Bricha: The Jewish Underground Railroad”.
The Hebrew word “bricha” means “flight” or “escape”. The Bricha was the illegal underground organization in post-World War II Europe that helped Jewish Holocaust survivors escape to DP camps in Germany, Austria, or Italy. I’ll speak about the history of the Bricha, the harrowing journeys of the refugees, and the final dismantling of the organization in 1948 when the State of Israel was established.
Here’s more information about the Liberation75 conference (from its website): Liberation75 will be the largest international event to mark the 75th anniversary of liberation from the Holocaust. From May 31 – June 2, 2020, Liberation75 will showcase the best-in-class work of innovative individuals and organizations. Liberation75 will explore the past, present, and future of Holocaust education and remembrance through captivating discussions and presentations, interactive workshops, survivor testimony, films, artistic and musical performances, unique exhibits, ground-breaking technology, and more.
Registration is now open for general attendees: https://www.liberation75.org/
Jewish Storytelling Revival in Toronto!
From the time I was a young girl, I always loved to listen to stories. In fact, my writing career began with storytelling. Now, in Toronto, a group of tellers have gathered to revive Jewish storytelling. Here are the details:
What: Jewish stories encompass a wide variety of subjects–Bible, Talmud, folktales, historical, literary, Holocaust, personal anecdotes, jokes, humour, and so much more! The only rule is that reading is not allowed.
When: the 3rd Sunday of every month, 7.30 – 9.30 p.m.
Where: Congregation Habonim, 5 Glen Park Ave., Toronto (near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Ave.), accessible building, ample free parking, close to transit
Cost: $5 or PWYC
Who: Everyone is welcome–tellers and listeners all.
What else: Refreshments will be available.
Contact: jewishstorytelling@gmail.com
For more info about Jewish storytelling: http://tothestory.blogspot.com/2013/08/what-is-jewish-story.html
The Tailor Project at Holocaust Education Week
I’ll be speaking on the topic, “Gathering More Threads: The Tailor Project 70 Years Later”, as part of Holocaust Education Week at Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue (Toronto) on Wed. Nov. 6, 2019, 7:30 PM.
No cost, pre-registration required at the link below:
https://www.beby.org/event/tailorproject
After the Holocaust, over 1,000 Jewish tailors and their families were chosen from displaced persons camps to come to Canada through the Garment Workers’ Scheme (“The Tailor Project”). I’ll be giving an illustrated, interactive lecture that will include the historical context of the Scheme, a short documentary film, and family stories. The Tailor Project is now being rediscovered by Impakt Labs with significant implications for immigrants and refugees coming to Canada.
Sponsored by The Goldfinger Family Fund at Beth Emeth and AJL – Ontario Chapter (Association of Jewish Libraries)