Almost a Minyan by Lori S. Kline

Almost a Minyan by Lori S. Kline

How can our sacred institutions preserve tradition while retaining the flexibility to accommodate modern life? And how do you fold that theme into a lively kids’ book?

Almost a Minyan, the latest offering from Austin’s Sociosights Press, brings children into the world of a loving daughter and granddaughter whose family stays connected to each other and to the past through sacred ritual. The book is a multi-generational love story for Jewish traditions.

In a story that will appeal equally to people familiar with its Yiddish phrases and Jewish traditions and those interested in increasing their cultural understanding, Almost a Minyan subtly handles some of the practices and controversies of modern Judaism. Can women and girls be part of the sacred minyan for public worship?

This spirited story, brought to life with touching and reverent illustrations by Susan Simon, is a sure bet for young readers.

The Book of Life podcast

Almost a Minyan by Lori S. Kline, illustrated by Susan Simon, is a picture book about a Jewish girl reaching the age where she can help her community pray. The book is traditional and groundbreaking at the same time, depicting an egalitarian, multiracial, observant Jewish community. I spoke to author Lori Kline and publisher Debra Winegarten of Sociosights Press together, by phone at Lori’s house in Austin, Texas. Almost a Minyan is the Jewish Women’s Archive Children’s Book Pick for 2017. Share these discussion questions with the young readers in your life.

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