Guide to Jewish Literature - July/August 2025

This critically acclaimed bestseller presents the captivating story of Clara Prinz, a remarkable woman forced to leave her native Berlin in 1939. As Clara traveled alone on a voyage into the unknown, she turned to memories of her adolescence during La Belle Époque – the Beautiful Era filled with optimism and cultural transformation at the dawn of the twentieth century. Through Clara’s chance encounters with notable personalities of the period, Clara’s Secret weaves an unforgettable tapestry of personal and historic events. Clara’s Secret is ultimately a compelling story of the advancement of humankind and the survival of its decline. 

Based on a true story of transporting a Torah my father had donated to our former temple in Connecticut back in the 1960’s, to my current temple outside of Chicago. This adventure brings to life the story of my father Abraham, whose character strikingly resembles his biblical namesake. It’s an uplifting, funny, heartfelt memoir, combining the beauty of the Torah, the Jewish faith, and father-and-son relationships. So if you like taking road trips, stopping for Chinese food of course, connecting with Torah passages, and experiencing a few twists and turns, come along on my journey…you’re in for quite a ride!

Years after her father vanishes while exposing terrorist financing, Eliana Golden—an NYPD detective and proud Jewish daughter—sets out to uncover the truth. As she seeks justice, she must confront buried family trauma, questions of faith, and the profound cost of standing up for what’s right. “The Meaning of the Murder combines the urgency of crime fiction with the depth of literary fiction. It’s a smart, morally serious novel—unafraid to ask hard questions.”—Edward Conlon, New York Times best-selling author of The Police Woman’s Bureau, Red on Red, and Blue Blood.  

Felice and Ira Zaslow’s love story spanned almost four decades, from the beaches of Far Rockaway to a comfortable suburban existence on the south shore of Long Island. Then came the morning of September 11, 2001. Through the days, weeks, and months that followed, Felice had to find her way through unfathomable trauma, on a path she had to forge herself, seeking guidance and role models along the way. This remarkable and inspiring memoir puts a very personal face on a national tragedy, facing down the darkness by looking for the light that is always present.

The year is 1937 in the first pages of this intriguing World War II novel, an important year for Henry Rebbenoff. He hopes to be hired as the new Cantor of Temple Beth Elohim in Charleston, South Carolina and he meets the lovely southern Jewish belle Ada Tobias. As war comes America’s shores, Cantor Henry must make decisions that will affect him and his family. Does he make the right choices? Journey over the years with Henry through this beautifully written novel.

In Whiz Kid, Joel Burcat weaves his writing with a manuscript discovered after his father David’s death, creating a poignant father-son collaboration. Set in Jewish South Philadelphia in 1950, the novel follows Ben Green, a Jewish war hero, as he chases the American dream while facing antisemitism and pressure to assimilate. Against the backdrop of the Phillies’ historical World Series run, Ben must choose between success and staying true to his identity. Rich with the culture and spirit of postwar Jewish Philadelphia, Whiz Kid is a moving story of resilience, legacy, and pride.

Weaving ancient insights with contemporary research in conflict resolution, as well as behind-the-scenes personal stories of diplomacy and negotiations, Beyond Dispute is a challenging and insightful guide on how to argue better, from an international peace negotiator and diplomat who’s been at the heart of some of the world’s toughest situations. Out now!

In this moving, coming-of-age novel set in the heart of Eastern Europe between the World Wars, a random act of violence by anti-Semitic thugs casts Wolchi, a trusting and superstitious teenage boy, and Leja, his bookish independent older sister, on a life-changing journey through a world gone mad. Reviewers say: A must read. Masterful. An epic tale. Five stars. Riveting. 

The only child of a king, Princess Maakah is sent by her father to marry the rebel, David ben Jesse, whom she considers a lowly shepherd from an unremarkable family. Disappointed by those she trusts, she must learn to place her faith in the God who protects David, and allow Him to make this rebel shepherd the king of her heart.

GOLD MEDAL WINNER IBPA AWARD FOR BEST FICTION AUDIOBOOK. A delightful novel about an ordinary woman, her extraordinary daughter, and a secret society. “…a respite from the world of tumult and tribulation… filled with heart, humor, and genuine feeling.” –The Times of Israel. “Golden Voice Kate Reading captures the foolish and the wise in this charming story of a Jewish village.”– AudioFile Magazine. “Thoroughly enjoyable… moving and astutely farcical.” –Kirkus Reviews. “[The] wise women are delightful and perceptive, their conversations a joy…” –Publishers Weekly. You will find plenty of pleasure in it.” –JewishBookWorld.org.

Casey Cohen gets into trouble and is forced to leave her life behind in New Orleans and return to her parents’ roots in the Orthodox Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn. Casey is shocked by this unfamiliar culture. But at eighteen, she falls in love and marries, as is expected. Soon after, her husband tells her he doesn’t want her to go to college. He wants her to have a baby instead. Can Casey integrate these two opposing worlds, or will she have to leave one behind to find her way?