Author: ArtScroll Staff

AS: What is the backstory of this sefer? Why is there a need for a halachah sefer for women, and how did it come about?

REK: I have had the zechus of teaching halachah to high school and seminary-age girls and married women for many years now. They are all thirsty for PRACTICAL halachah: What is the bottom line and what am I allowed and not allowed to do? I saw a need for a sefer where many of the halachos that are relevant to women on a day-to-day basis would be presented in a clear and concise manner. There are plenty of wonderful sefarim that delve into specific topics at length. And although they provide the practical halachah at the end, there is often so much information that it can become overwhelming for the girl or woman looking for a specific answer to a question. This sefer is straightforward and to the point. Yes, there will be she’ailos that women will still have to ask, but the standard, general halachos are all there, easily accessible.

AS: What are some of the topics covered, and what went into choosing them?

REK: Topics covered include tefillah, Krias Shema Al Hamitah, waking up in the morning, berachos, kibud av ve’eim, the mitzvos of Shabbos and Yom Tov as they apply to women, halachos that come up around the house and particularly the kitchen (except the Kashrus aspects, which are not covered) and many women’s issues, such as yichud, kol ishah, negiah, tznius, bas mitzvah, and more. These are topics that I am asked about so often through emails and phone calls. This sefer can guide so many people (even men) in these intricate topics.

AS: What are some of the special challenges that women have in living a life based on halachah today?

REK: There is a special challenge following halachah today due to the fact that we are so technologically connected to many other people and media. Therefore, we hear so many different things from different sources and we are left confused as to what is the correct practical halachah. This sefer will b’ezras Hashem set things straight as to which is the best way to follow halachah.

AS: Quite a zechus, to work so closely with Rav Grossman. What was it like, meeting with a “Living Legend”?

RNS: Out of this world. He is without a doubt one of the most unique and special individuals I have ever had the good fortune to meet. Sometimes when you meet famous people — even those with a well-deserved reputation — you can find yourself disappointed by how they are in real life, away from the cameras. But not here. Rav Yitzchok Dovid Grossman is completely authentic and himself — no matter where he finds himself.

AS: What goes into writing such a far-reaching book, covering more than half a century of amazing accomplishment?

RNS: Lots of hard work. Hours and hours of interviews — of making sure that we covered as many aspects of his life as possible. Rav Grossman has accomplished so much and has such a fascinating life, that it’s almost impossible to cover everything in one book — which is why we will probably have to write another one ….

Once the book was written, there were countless rewrites to ensure that all the details of these incredible stories were accurate. We also had more than 300 photographs to choose from, with close to 200 photos actually making it into the book

AS: What are some of the takeaways that “regular people” like us can get from reading about Rav Grossman’s life?

RNS: Smile at every person you meet. Greet them with love. Treat them like a friend. Give them respect. You’ll be surprised by what you can accomplish by doing those four things.

AS: Briefly, what story (among so many!) touched you the most?

RNS: “The Rosh Hashanah Murder,” when Rav Grossman saved Migdal HaEmek from a lynch mob.  

“May These Letters Be a Shield,” when he brought 700 Israeli soldiers to Migdal Ohr on the eve of their going into battle, treated them like his own children, and blessed them to return safely — which each and every one did.

And, of course, the story of how a young Meah Shearim Yerushalmi walked into a Migdal HaEmek disco, with his beard, peyos, and Chassidic garb, and managed to captivate the young, irreligious, and angry teens — not to mention the crime boss of the town!

I can go on and on. There are so many stories that I love. And that’s why you are going to have to read the book.

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