20 Comments
Apr 28Liked by Merri Ukraincik

I grew up not far from where Sadie Rose Weilerstein lived (Atlantic City). I remember visiting her apartment. I adored those books as a young child. Thanks for keeping her memory alive.

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It's still one of my favorite books. So much wonder. thank you for sharing your remembrances.

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May 2Liked by Merri Ukraincik

BTW, I'm married to Julie Zuckerman!

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She's wonderful. You must be a very special couple.

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This is so great and should be a yearly tradition for sure!

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Oooh, I love that idea. Thank you!

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Yay for Jewish books!

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Yes, more than ever!

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Apr 18Liked by Merri Ukraincik

Sad to hear that Jew-Hatred has now clawed its way into the world of Jewish writers and authors. I had no idea but of course nothing surprises me these days. Awful.

My Pesach reading plans include "The Lost" by Daniel Mendelsohn and "The Exodus You Almost Passed Over" by Rabbi David Forman (very timely title).

And yes, The Adventures of K'Ton Ton too! That book somehow skipped over my house growing up, but my husband spoke about it fondly and longingly for years since his childhood copy was long lost to time.

About five years ago we purchased two used copies online (an extra one in case one was relocated to a grandchild's bookshelf). And since then Jack has become the Sabba who reads K'Ton Ton stories to the grandchildren. It's now a holiday event in our family when we visit them for the Chagim. The writing is so charmingly old-fashioned. I can see why Jack adored those stories! And now our grandchildren love them too.

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So smart! Two copies <3. Double the fun. Let me know what you think of the Mendelsohn and the Rabbi Forman. Both look great. Chag Sameach!

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Thank you, Merri, for this list of resources. So many wonderful Jewish books and authors to discover and support! As a Jewish author myself who is closely following this ugly trend of cancelling Jewish authors, your call to action is so important and much appreciated.

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Apr 17·edited Apr 17Author

Would we ever have imagined we'd be where we are? Thank you so much, Judy! When is your book coming out?

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Thank you for asking, Merri. My new memoir, Bylines and Blessings, was published in February and is getting rave reviews from readers as well as reviewers, which makes me so happy. It's about my 40-year career as a Jewish writer, how I tried to resolve the conflict between my ambition for success and my growing commitment to Jewish values. It's also about overcoming obstacles, pursuing artistic excellence, and learning to redefine success. There's lots of humor, which many readers appreciate during these times. There are links to interviews and reviews on my website, www.judygruen.com. Thank you for asking!

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Wonderful, Judy. To your continued success! I will add it to my list.

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Apr 17Liked by Merri Ukraincik

Thank you for the mention, Merri!

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Nice to meet you, Vivian! My pleasure.

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Thank you, Merri! What a wonderful list of resources and I’m honored to be included!

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You are so generous to writers and readers alike, Julie. It's a wonderful opportunity for me to tell people about your work.

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Apr 17Liked by Merri Ukraincik

K’ton ton was my favorite book as a child. Still have my well worn copy.

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Oh, that's so nice. I have a few of my childhood books, but K'ton Ton got lost in a move. My copy is a used one, a gift from a friend when our first son was born.

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