Robert,

Who could ask for a better review?

That WAS a nicely written review. I can relate to Nechama, having always been a big reader myself - and I suspect that I know (and have read) the fantasy series with the christian overtones that she mentions. Well, now I've got to read your book.
MH

Lance:

People pay PR people for such reviews! (Lotta p's there)Anyway, this just came out of the blue.

MH:

I have no idea what fantasy series she's talking about. I'm really ignorant when it comes to Sci-Fi and Fantasy genre. But do let me know how you like (or don't like) Hebrew Kid once you've read the novel.

Delightful. The review makes me want to read the novel, again. It's fitting for the parents that her name is Nechama (comfort, solace). She admires Austen too.

Of course I picture this tale of literary eavesdropping taking place in Yerushalayim. I suspect it would have brought, or brings, Ariel zt"l a measure of joy to know that his father's labor can animate souls in the Holy City.

Hi Jeremiah. I'm actually not from Jerusalem; I was born and raised (and still live) in Los Angeles. I did spend a year in Jerusalem, though, and absolutely LOVED it! I brought my (1216 page?) copy of Lord of the Rings with me... If only I'd had "The Hebrew Kid" back then!

Nechama is indeed a fine and funny writer.

The story of "The Hebrew Kid and the Apache Maiden" definitely lends itself to being read aloud. When the hardcover was first released, I also would read it aloud on Friday nights to the family, and the most captive audience member was my ten-year-old son, Avi. As we would gather in the living room, I could imagine being transported back in time. Because of the Old West aspect of the story, one only has to imagine oneself gathered with family in front of the hearth, with a cozy fire burning, Ma in her rocker, knitting, Pa wittling wood sculptures, the younger children listening with rapt attention as big brother or big sister reads to them.
A warm and wonderful scene -- inspired by a warm and wonderful book. Waiting with bated breath for the sequel... (Robert, don't make us wait TOO long!)

I have been an avid folower for a while now, all your posts have been emotive from every angle on every subject you write about. There is nothing anyone else hasn't already said that I could possibly add to in a better or more heartfelt way.

But after my 6 year old watched a dvd I recently purchased "the story of maimonides" I felt I had to comment. It was just amazing. My daughter watches it all the time and I mean ALL the time. Forget shrek, madagascar etc. to her this is the one! (so much so that she has informed my husband and I that our next child has to be named Jamila!!)

It is so rare to find jewish dvd of this quality they are few and far between. Your talents are endless.
So thank you.

Robert,
I believe it's The Chronicles of Narnia - i.e. the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, et al

Pearl:

I used to read Hebrew Kid to Ariel ZT'L out loud at home and in the hospital. Every once in a while he would smile and those smiles are incribed in my brain and my heart with startling clarity.

Yes, reading HK out loud is how it was written, though I was not aware of it at the time.

I'm going to post several more chapters of "Hebrew Kid and Wyatt Earp" at the end of this week or top of next week. Readers comments are just too valuable not to continue in this way.

Shternie:

Thank you so much. People may not be aware but I wrote the script for "Maimonides" a feature length animated film produced by Rabbi Berel Wein and his Destiny Foundation. I'm incredibly proud of this project. Leonard Nemoy is the voice of The Rambam and he does a fine job.

I recently completed the script for "The Baal Shem Tov," the next project in this wonderful series. That, let me tell you, was a challenge. But it might be even better than Rambam.

I should also add this tragic news: Rabbi Berel Wein's wife of over 50 years was niftar about two weeks ago. I spoke to Rabbi Wein when he was sitting shiva. It was one of the hardest shiva calls I ever had to make. But Rabbi Wein, in his wisdom, made it easier for me to comfort him. Such are the actions of great man.

The account Miss Kravitz is pleasant enough, but hardly worthy of the "natural writer" moniker. I did like reading about the modest and humorous dynamic evident in her household, vis-a-vis her family's book hoarding habits.

It's too bad Nechama decided to stop reading a book series she was obviously enjoying, due to its "strong Christian undertones." Heaven forfend our natural writer might be distracted by something off message!

Samuel: why do you feel the need to shoot down a compliment given to a young student by a Hollywood screenwriter?
Did you correct your grandmother when she told you how good looking you were?

Robert gave Nechama a well deserved compliment, lets leave it at that.

Very sweet review of your book! What a sweet and talented girl!

A nice story indeed, but a better solution would have been to buy a copy for each member of the family. And the neighbors, too.

Ezer K':

Here's another thing about Ms. Kravitz that makes her story all the more remarkable: she and her family are Lubavitch Chasidim.

Ralphie:

Once again, thanks so much for attending the Ariel Avrech Memorial Lecture.

I'm going to inform Ms. Kravitz and her many Lubavitch neighbors that you have generously volunteered to purchase extra copies of "The Hebrew Kid and the Apache Maiden" so as to expunge this shameful plague of Booknapping that has siezed hold of this holy community.

Yasher Koach, Ralphie. This is a great mitzvah you are performing.

P.S. Where shall we send the very large invoice to?

I am lubavitch too can I get a copy ala Ralphie :)
am trying to get hold of the copy accross the pond.

I am looking forward to the Baal Shem Tov dvd.

SFX: crickets chirping

EXT. RALPHIE'S STREET - DAY

It's a typical SoCal morning. The sun shines. A skateboarder zooms by. The neighborhood MAILMAN whistles as he drops mail in slots.

INSERT:

CLOSE-UP ENVELOPE: Addressed to Ralphie.
The return address is from: Seraphic Press.

There's a Music STING here. It's subtle, but on this beautiful, sunny morning, there is danger in the air.

The front door to Ralphie's house swings open. A jaunty RALPHIE steps out on his porch, and our hero greets his Mailman.

Ralphie's faithful DOG scampers behind Ralphie and during the scene continues to lovingly nudge Ralphie's legs.

Ralphie: Mornin'.

Mailman: Fine thing you're doing for them Loob-avicher folks, Ralphie.

Ralphie: How did you know?

Mailman: You kiddin, Ralphie, I read Seraphic Secret. So, how many books you bought so far?

Ralphie looks vaguley ill, but pastes a brave smile to his face.

Ralphie: Eight thousand, seven hundred and twenty three. (long pause) More or less.

Mailman: Them Loob-avichers have an awful lot of children, Ralphie.

Ralphie: Ya, think!?

Mailman hands Ralphie the mail, turns and walks away, whistling his morning tune, which, gee willikers, now sounds an awful lot like Taps, and...

Ralphie tears open the latest INVOICE from Seraphic Press -- and faints dead away.

Ralphie's DOG barks and whines and then just sits on Ralphie's chest and licks his master's face.

FADE TO BLACK

Shternie:

See above.

Doesn't Ralphie get a discount for bulk orders?

Hey, Ralphie, aka Mitzvah Man, Toronto's waiting for its back order...

maybe Ralphie should buy stocks in the company!!

ALl jokes aside I did order the book with amazon in the UK and its a 10-13 day wait - still waiting.........

Pearl:

Ralphie does get a discount on bulk orders. But you know Hasidim do have many children, Baruch HaShem, and as Ralphie so brilliantly suggested, they are better off ordering one copy of Hebrew Kid per child.

Them's a lot of books, pardner.

Shternie:

How long ago did you order from Amazon.com UK? And do let us know when you receive your copy, okay? Thanks so much for your order.

P.S. I think I speak for Ralphie too.