Author: ArtScroll Staff

“Why don’t you produce an ArtScroll Siddur for the Sephardic community?”

We heard it over the years from countless people in Brooklyn, in Deal, in L.A. and beyond, indeed, wherever Sephardic Jews live. While ArtScroll’s other sefarim and books speak to Jews of every stripe and background, there was no ArtScroll’s siddur in the nusach of Sephardim and Edot Hamizrah. Why not?!

It was a valid question. There are well over a million copies of ArtScroll siddurim in print, making them the most widely-used siddurim in history. They are hailed the world over for their magnificent translation and wide-ranging, inspiring commentary, their crystal clear instructions and halachahs, and their state-of-the-art typography. “Why isn’t there a Siddur of such outstanding quality for Sephardic Jews?”

Mr. Jay Schottenstein, patron of the ArtScroll Talmud and many other ArtScroll projects, was visiting Rav David Abuchatzeira shlita, a year and a half ago. The Hacham had that same question: “You have dedicated so many works of Torah and Tefillah. Why don’t you sponsor an ArtScroll Sephardic Siddur?” Together they called Rabbi Gedaliah Zlotowitz, President of ArtScroll and put the question to him.

Rav Gedaliah didn’t flinch, and in a moment the exciting decision was made: The time had come for an ArtScroll Sephardic Siddur!   And so the work began immediately on Siddur Kol Simcha.

There was much to do. The Hebrew text and English translation had to follow Sephardic traditions. Transliterations would reflect Sephardic pronunciation, and laws and customs would follow Sephardic poskim and minhagim.

Dozens of pizmonim and piyyutim for Shabbat and other occasions would be accurately translated and sourced. Shem Hashem would appear according to Sephardic tradition, and there would be taamim for selections from the Tanach. There would be a commentary and introduction that would explain and inspire.

There were other innovative features as well. When a person is praying, he or she wants to see the relevant laws conveniently appear next to the prayers, so in this new Siddur, the halachot are right where they are needed – and there is also a comprehensive halachot section in the back of the Siddur. Special typography and graphics indicate when there are differences in text between various communities, so everyone can pray according to his or her own custom without confusion.

Artscroll is proud to add this magnificent state-of-the-art Sephardic Siddur to its repertoire. A new gem in the treasure house of ArtScroll.

Get your copy today at artscroll.com!

AS: Amazing! Your 5^th collection of stories, and yet they are still so fresh, so vibrant and varied. What’s your secret to finding such intensely interesting stories?

CBW: There’s really no secret to finding interesting stories. All you need is a willingness to ask and the capacity to listen—to really listen. I find that the most rewarding stories come when I close my mouth and just absorb what the other person is saying! Sometimes, during a conversation or interview, I think the story is over, but if I stay quiet for another minute or two, I’ll find the story has only just begun.

AS: One of the sections of the book is called Faith and Courage. What’s the connection between the two?

CBW: One is often an outgrowth of the other. Being whacked by a ‘double whammy’ of challenges can either make one shrivel and give up in defeat, or it can bring out the most potent parts of our neshamah. In “Dance of Life,” for instance, a man facing the loss of a long-awaited kidney draws on his faith and finds the courage to dance, to celebrate the fact that it wasn’t meant to be. In “Guided by an Angel,” the protagonist draws on his faith and finds the courage to travel alone to meet his brothers, whom he had never met before.

AS: When writing these stories, many of them poignant, did any of them actually bring you to tears? Which one, and why?

CBW: The story “Judge and Jury,” about a woman whose husband is experiencing an emotional breakdown, had a powerful impact on me.  I know many people who are living like this, acting as if they had perfect lives, in a desire to preserve their dignity and protect their families. In reality they are dealing with unfathomable challenges and intense pain—and the judgment of their own family members, which is sometimes hardest of all to bear.

AS: And here’s the toughest question of all: Which of the stories are your favorites?

CBW: Asking me to name a favorite would be like asking me to name a favorite grandchild—I love them all so intensely, and each has a special place in my heart.

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We’re all so excited about Simply Gourmet, the fabulous cookbook being released! We spoke with author Rivky Kleiman about her culinary journey and how she develops such amazing recipes.

AS: Rivky, you are a star in the kosher culinary world: a popular contributor to kosher.com and Family Table, co-author of the Bais Yaakov Cookbook, and now a member of ArtScroll’s incredible cookbook team. How did you do it?

RK:  My mother went to medical school when I was in 6th grade. We were three sisters, so while she was in school she would leave a list on the fridge with the jobs we should do. Because I enjoyed the kitchen so much, I wound up making all the cakes, kugels, desserts, salads. When it came to food my mother was very forward thinking, and she loved variety. My friends loved to come to supper; they knew they’d get something interesting and delicious. Actually, when I was newly married, I was afraid of making traditional chicken soup and gefilte fish — but I could make gourmet meals!

AS: What is your cooking philosophy, and how does it play out in Simply Gourmet?

RK: I like to work with foods that are familiar to people, foods that they recognize, but I also want a twist. I keep up with today’s trends and modernize. I love to layer the flavors, to give foods depth of flavor. We’re long past just salt and pepper. You can transform a dish with a few spices or herbs. I use items in your pantry, or items that you will incorporate into your pantry after you’ve discovered them.  

AS: Some examples?                                                             

RK: I love chili powder. It’s a mixture of different spices, and it elevates the taste of the meat and poultry. People don’t realize the value of it. And you can easily make your own. Fish-free Worcestershire sauce adds that little oomph. Or a bit of lemon zest — it takes no extra work, you’re using the lemon anyway, and you get an explosion of flavor!

AS: What do you hope to accomplish with Simply Gourmet?

RK: I taught for many years, and I’m using the skills I’ve developed to teach home cooks so that they can elevate what they do. I’m taking away some of the fear of the unknown. When you try something and it works, what a great feeling!

Get your copy today at artscroll.com!

Gedolei Torah. You’ve heard so many stories about them. Perhaps you’ve even had some personal encounters with them. You know about their incredible diligence, devotion to learning and unfailing concern for the Klal. But have you ever wondered what it’s like to have constant contact with gedolim? To interact on a daily basis with Torah leaders? To see how daas Torah deals with the most important issues of our time?

In his long career in Agudath Israel of America, which culminated in his position as Executive  Vice President, Rabbi Shmuel Bloom had the zechus of interacting with some of Jewry’s greatest gedolim. Now, in On the Shoulders of Giants, he shares the stories and memories, the lessons learned and the insights discovered in more than half a century of encountering greatness.

We asked Rabbi Bloom to describe some of the traits that gedolim tend to have in common. His answer was both insightful and surprising:

“In my encounters with gedolei Yisrael I found that they had a unique blend of humility and confidence. The first time I saw R’ Moshe Feinstein at the Agudah convention, he was waiting for Minchah to begin. A man came over to him and asked the gadol hador if he could ask him a shayla. Reb Moshe answered: “Far vos nit – why not?”  It was as if he was saying, in his profoundly humble way – of course you can ask me, this is why I am here in this world, to help other Jews. Yet when there was an accident in front of his house and Rav Moshe was told a boy wearing a yarmulke had been run over by a car, he said that it couldn’t be true. He felt that his Torah learning would prevent such a tragedy from happening. As it turned out, a gentile boy had grabbed a yarmulke from a Jewish boy, and the non-Jew was run over as he was running away. This combination of knowing that he is in this world to serve the Klal, at the same time knowing that he was given a special role to play, is something that I found to varying degrees in almost every gadol.”

Personal stories of gedolim, askanim and politicians, and many rare photos — you’ll find them all here, in On the Shoulders of Giants.

Get your copy today at artscroll.com!

On the long Shabbos afternoons of spring and summer, Pirkei Avos offers us the perfect way to reconnect with the richness of Torah wisdom. ArtScroll has just released two special editions of Maseches Avos that will make that time extra special. Both editions contain all the text and features of ArtScroll’s acclaimed Mishnah series, in a new convenient size — and at a great price.

The Schottenstein Edition Midsize Mishnah Elucidated: Maseches Avos

This popular series offers a multilevel learning experience. Do you have an hour before Minchah and want to review a chapter in Pirkei Avos? You can. Want to spend the entire afternoon delving deeply into its meaning? You can do that too — in the same volume.

Each volume in The Mishnah Elucidated series includes the fully vowelized Hebrew text of the Mishnah and the full text of “the Rav’s” (Rabbeinu Ovadiah of Bertinoro) classic Mishnah commentary. The phrase-by-phrase translation and elucidation follow the format of the Schottenstein Edition Talmud. Words and phrases, based on the Rav’s interpretation of the Mishnah, are added to make the Mishnah text read smoothly and clearly. Notes clarify and explain the Mishnah further by drawing on the Gemara or other classic Mishnah commentaries, and the general introductions to each masechta and topic discuss many important concepts. For those most comfortable with English-language study, this is the volume for you.

The Ryzman Edition Hebrew Mishnayos Special Edition: Maseches Avos

Each volume of the Ryzman Edition Hebrew Mishnayos contains the full text of the Mishnah, as well as the commentary of the Rav (Rabbeinu Ovadiah of Bertinoro), newly-typeset. This series, too, offers multilevel learning. The first level is a phrase-by-phrase translation and elucidation, in readable Hebrew, following the format of the Schottenstein Edition Talmud.  This level gives a brief, flowing explanation of the words of the Mishnah, perfect for those seeking a simple explanation of the p’shat. Next comes the “Biyur.” Here we find an expanded explanation of the Mishnah, based on the commentary of Rav, and also drawing on the Gemara and classic Rishonim and Acharonim. On this level, terms and concepts are explained more fully, providing a deeper understanding of the p’shat. Finally, the “Iyunim” level is designed for those seeking more profound, in-depth study of the Mishnah.

Whatever you are looking for in your Pirkei Avos study, you’ll find it in these very special, special editions!

Get your copies today at artscroll.com!

After all the work — the cleaning, shopping, koshering — you’ve certainly earned some time to relax. And what better way to relax than with a novel that transports you to a different time and place? A novel that brings you characters who become almost real to you? A novel that keeps you turning page after exciting page?  

ArtScroll has two fantastic new historical novels for you. Enjoy your well-earned literary treat!

Freefall by Miriam Zakon:

Freefall is the epic saga of a young woman searching for happiness, a war orphan searching for words, and a young man searching for his father’s love.

The year is 1941. The flames of war are blazing throughout Europe. By the end of the year, with the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, America will join the Allies in their desperate struggle against the Axis powers.

In the Freed Hotel, a simple Coney Island boarding house, other battles are being fought. Its owner, Yeruchum Freed, is determined and resolute in his vision: to raise his children as uncompromising Torah Jews. But do his children, Annie and Moe, share that dream?

Set against the fascinating backdrop of the American experience during the Second World War, as well as the battlefields of war-torn Europe, Freefall offers a vivid and unforgettable cast of characters, a wealth of riveting historical details, and an engaging, suspense-filled story that readers will not be able to put down. 

Twilight (Expanded Edition) by Avner Gold:

Twilight is the next novel in the famed Strasbourg Saga. This expanded edition follows the exploits of the popular characters of the Saga from the end of 1649 through 1658.

As the story begins, a report of twins abducted by the Cossacks spurs Elisha Ringel to action. He manages to secure a meeting with Bogdan Chmielnicki, the hetman of the Cossacks, in his headquarters in Zaporozhiye, and there the exciting story unfolds, coming to a climax in Warsaw nine years later. In the course of the story, we also meet Rav Shabsi Kohein, the Shach, and follow the turbulent events of his life through the eyes of Rav Shloime Strasbourg, rabbi of Pulichev.

Twilight is that fragile moment that is not quite night and not quite day. The period described in this book was a twilight time. The wounds of war were not yet healed, but there was hope once again. Here is historical fiction at its best.

Get your copies today at artscroll.com!

It began less than five years ago, with the publication of Living Emunah. Readers loved it for its message of faith and optimism, its fantastic stories and insights. It transformed countless lives; for many, reading it became a highlight of their day. It was translated into Yiddish, Hebrew, Spanish, and French, and versions were created for youngsters and teens. Living Emunah 2 and 3 followed, also bestsellers, also beloved. Amazingly, there are now over 150,000 copies of the Living Emunah series now in print!

And here’s more great news: Living Emunah 4 has just been released!

So what’s all the excitement about emunah, and why are so many people interested in putting it at the center of their lives?

Have you seen the headlines lately? Opioid epidemics. Rising suicide rates. Valium abuse. Hatred raging everywhere.

As Living Emunah author Rabbi David Ashear astutely says in his Introduction to the newly-released Living Emunah 4, “Living without the knowledge that Hashem is our loving Father can be miserable ….”

And if we live with the knowledge that Hashem is involved in every facet of our lives, that He knows what we need, and that He wants only to benefit us? If we live with emunah?

“To one who lives with emunah and bitachon, life will become one long party and his days will be filled with happiness. He’ll feel Hashem’s benevolence and understand that he has a Father in Heaven constantly looking out for his well-being…. The botei’ach b’Hashem always feels secure, totally relying on the fact that Hashem knows what he needs better than he does himself ….”

People who live with emunah do not have to numb their pain with drugs; they can run to Hashem instead.

Like every valuable accomplishment, emunah must be worked on, encouraged, and nurtured. That’s where the Living Emunah series comes in. In Living Emunah 4, as in the previous volumes, Rabbi Ashear gives us a remarkable combination of chizuk and stories to build up our faith. He touches our hearts and enlightens our minds. And, amazingly, he does it in brief readings that we can fit into our overscheduled, hurried lives.

When the kabbalist Rabbi Dovid Abuchatzeira shlita asked Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l what mitzvah should be the priority today, Rav Aharon Leib’s reply was short and to the point: To strengthen ourselves in emunah and bitachon.

That’s what tens of thousands are doing every day — through Living Emunah!

Get your copy today at artscroll.com!

ArtScroll proudly presents two new Haggadahs to enrich and energize your Seder:

The Rav Schwab Haggadah features the writings on the Haggadah of Rav Shimon Schwab zt’l, the beloved Rav, Rosh Beis Din, posek, and mechanech par excellence. It offers a wealth of insights into the basics of emunah, conveyed with great passion and emotion.

Compiled and edited by David Schwab, the Rav’s eldest grandson, it is an anthology of divrei Torah on the Haggadah from various writings and shiurim of Rav Schwab.

“The story of Yetziyas Mitzrayim is a story of faith, emunah peshutah,” says his grandson. “It is also a message of chizuk, inspiration, for our present-day lives. A recurring theme in this Haggadah is that our geulah from Mitzrayim occurred in the zechus of the Jews’ faith that Hashem would ultimately fulfill His promise to Avraham Avinu to redeem us from slavery. It was only because of their faith that they merited redemption. The same will hold true, Rav Schwab would say, during our final galus. In the zechus of our emunah the final geulah — the coming of Mashiach — will indeed occur.  

“Our grandfather’s Seder was an opportunity for his children and grandchildren to absorb these yesodos ha’emunah, and it left a permanent impression upon all of us. We are excited to present the timeless thoughts of our grandfather on the Haggadah to a worldwide audience.”

Rav Yaakov Bender, author of The Chinuch Haggadah, is the Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway. He has been hailed as one of the Torah world’s premiere mechanchim: innovative, insightful, and compassionate.

With no time during the school year, Rav Bender spent his summer vacations working on this unique Haggadah commentary. “To me, the Haggadah shel Pesach is the perfect way to give our children hadrachah in ruchniyus and gashmiyus,” he explains. “The Haggadah takes us on a trip through the past, a difficult past, to a happy ending. In between there are so many lessons to teach our children, particularly that every one of us counts, no matter how we score on our exams. We know that Someone is up there looking out for us — and our children must know that as well.”

The Chinuch Haggadah brings together Rav Bender’s warm and personal observations, fascinating Torah insights, stories of great men and women, and his wise guidance on how to give over our heritage to the next generation. 

Get your copy today at artscroll.com!