A Conversation with C.B.Weinfeld – Author of Stardust

Published on April 13, 2018 by ArtScroll StaffLeave a comment

AS: This is your fourth “star” book – A Handful of Stars, Another Handful of Stars, A Tapestry of Stars, and, now, Stardust. So what makes a person a star?

CBW: Most of these stories revolve around average individuals who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances, facing considerable challenges and/or opportunities. It is not their circumstances — but what they do with them — that turn our ordinary protagonists into stars.

AS: Your books are so popular, bestsellers in their genre. Why do you think these stories resonate so strongly with readers?

CBW: I think that many readers can relate to the fact that the characters are ordinary people, the type you meet in the supermarket, at the gym, or on line at PTA, regular humans who make regular mistakes. Just like you and me.

AS: A convert from a kind of “hillbilly” home, an old man who tricks his children into taking care of him, the mother of a very sick child who has to keep her identity a secret. So many different stories, so many varied characters and plot lines. How do you find them?

CBW: To be honest, I never do. Find them, I mean. The stories tend to find me, by Divine Design, often when least expected. One of my memorable encounters took place at a wedding I almost didn’t attend, where I knew not a soul aside from the chasan’s immediate family. I was seated at a table with the kallah’s relatives, who, when they discovered they were sitting next to an author, shared two remarkable stories that both made the “cut.”

AS: You have stories from the 1800s, from the Holocaust years, and from the 21st century. Your main characters are young and old, men and women, religious and secular. What would you say all the stories, and all the characters, share in common?

CBW: Nothing but their humanity, their religion, and their desire to do the right thing (at least most of the time). Oh, and the fact that they were chosen, out of hundreds of stories, because they touched a chord in my heart.

AS: If there is one enduring message one can take from Stardust, what would it be?

CBW: That’s it’s okay to make mistakes, okay to cry and laugh at your foibles, to forgive yourself, dust yourself off and move on. That’s what life is all about.

Get your copy of Stardust today by clicking here: artscroll.com!

A Conversation with Rabbi Nachman Seltzer – Author of Encounters with Greatness

Published on March 23, 2018 by ArtScroll StaffLeave a comment

Rabbi Nachman Seltzer takes his incredible talent for telling true stories to a whole new level as he shares the story of Rabbi Daniel Yaakov Travis and his close, personal relationships with some of today’s greatest Torah personalities. ArtScroll asks Rabbi Seltzer about his new book, Encounters with Greatness:

AS: The narrator of this memoir, Rabbi Daniel Yaakov Travis, had some very unusual brushes with death, which ultimately led him to the relationships with gedolim that are the core of the book. Can you tell us a little about those almost-fatal experiences?

RNS: Rabbi Travis was hit by a car and almost killed on the day before he made a kiddush in honor of his baby daughter. The fact that he lived — and without any brain damage — was, according to his rosh yeshivah, Rav Tzvi Kushulefsky shlita, a complete miracle. The accident and his remarkable recovery led to his researching the topic of reciting the berachah one makes on a miracle, and that led to more research on the subject of hakaras hatov, thanking Hashem. He ultimately produced a sefer on the topic, which eventually led to an entire array of halachah and hashkafah sefarim on a wide range of topics. The accident and the sefer that it brought about led Rabbi Travis to form close relationships with many of today’s greatest Torah personalities. So you can say — as Rabbi Travis always does — gam zu l’tovah, even this was for the good, as his horrific accident led to so many important things.

AS: Who are some of the gedolim featured in the book?

RNS: There are fourteen gedolim and tzaddikim, among them R’ Shlomo Brevda, R’ Shimshon Pincus, R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt’l, and ybl’c R’ Don Segal, R’ Asher Arielli, and R’ Tzvi Kushelefsky, shlita.

AS: Some people think all great Torah personalities are alike — they’re all brilliant, diligent, caring. That’s true — but they are also so individual, and this book captures that individuality so beautifully. How did you do it?

RNS: When you interview someone who knows gedolim personally and intimately, then you hear clear differences between them. Every gadol is a world unto himself, and Rabbi Travis developed a unique and varied relationship with each of them. This is obvious from the first minute of a conversation with him.

Click here to get your copy today: artscroll.com!

Great Pesach Titles!

Published on March 16, 2018March 16, 2018 by ArtScroll StaffLeave a comment

We’ve made it! Houses sparkling and chametz-free. Fabulous food, gorgeous new clothes. Finally — it’s Pesach!

With Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed here, we have time to breathe. To relax. To learn. To be entertained — and to be inspired.

And — finally, finally! — we have time to read books that are engrossing, enthralling, illuminating, absorbing.

ArtScroll has a new book for every age and every stage, perfect for Pesach reading. Here’s a sampling:

My Last Year in Mitzrayim: Chaim Greenbaum, bestselling author of novels including The Will and The Mexico File, shows he can write amazing and exciting books for younger readers too. My Last Year in Mitzrayim brings us the fictional “diary” of Amiasaf, a Jewish boy enslaved in Pharaoh’s Egypt. Readers ages 8 and up will cry — and laugh — with Amiasaf, as he describes his terrible enslavement and the wondrous events that took place as the redemption grew near. Pesach will become so much more meaningful as our children experience galus and geulah with children their own age, right there in Mitzrayim. Click here to get yours today at artscroll.com!

Silver and Gold: Teens are going to love this one! It’s about everything that’s important to them: Friendship, growing up, secrets (when to keep them, and when not to), and trust. Written beautifully by Zivia Reischer, Silver and Gold is one of those rare books that is fun to read, and even more fun to think about and share with friends. Click here to get yours today at artscroll.com!

Stardust: Popular author C. B. Weinfeld has a marvelous talent for finding stories about unexpected greatness. Where others see a shabby old lady and her shy granddaughter, she sees a strong and generous personality in the making. An old copper box decorated with pretty engravings holds more than aromatic snuff — it contains a man’s desperate desire to succeed, and his even more powerful wish to keep his father happy. This is a collection of stories that leave us amazed. Sometimes they bring a tear to our eye, sometimes they make us laugh — but always, they strengthen our belief in others and in our own potential for greatness. Click here to get yours today at artscroll.com!

Promised Child: Thirty-five years ago, Avner Gold’s The Promised Child burst onto the Jewish literary scene and became an instant classic. Now rewritten, with fourteen brand-new chapters, it is twice as long as the original, and more than twice as good. Set in 16th-century Poland, this is a dramatic tale of vengeance, arson, betrayal, abduction, and rescue — historical fiction at its most exciting. Click here to get yours today at artscroll.com!

“Four Questions” for Our Readers: Rabbi Frand on the Haggadah

Published on March 8, 2018 by ArtScroll StaffLeave a comment

Here are “four questions” in honor of the upcoming Seder:

One: Would you like the Seder to have an impact on your life?

Two: Would you like the Seder to have an impact on the lives of your children? Your family? Your guests?

Three: Would you like the Seder’s impact to last long after the matzah has disappeared from your home?

Four: Is it even possible? If so — how?

If you answered “yes” to the first three questions, then here’s our answer to the fourth: Yes. It is possible for the Seder to impact on your life. And yes, it is possible for that impact to last.

How? To begin with, you need a Haggadah with a commentary that explains the eternal significance of what happened on that unforgettable day in Nissan. A commentary that discusses the role of emunah and hashgachah pratis in Egypt — and in our everyday lives. A commentary that deepens our belief that Hashem knows and cares for us, that we have a special mission to accomplish, and that we have the means to accomplish it. And a commentary that is written in a way that interests, engages, and inspires us.

In other words: A commentary like Rabbi Frand on the Haggadah.

Pesach night, as Rabbi Frand tells us, is more than just a commemoration of a major event in our history. The goal of the Seder is to strengthen us in our emunah, inspire us in our observance, and give us a deeper and closer relationship to Hashem. It’s the goal of the night — and the goal of this Haggadah.

Sounds a bit daunting, right? But those of you who have read Rabbi Frand’s bestselling books, heard him in person or on his popular audio CDs, know that his messages to us are wrapped in his trademark warmth, compassion, wit, and humor. Here is authentic mesorah, combined with a profound understanding of our contemporary lives and challenges.

Here is a Haggadah whose messages will resonate throughout the year.

Wouldn’t you love to have Rabbi Frand as your own personal “scholar-in-residence,” sitting with you at your Seder table? You can come pretty close as you pore over, and share, his wise words in Rabbi Frand on the Haggadah.

Click here to get your copy today from artscroll.com!

A Great Light: Rabbeinu Yaakov Abuchatzeira’s Pituchei Chotam

Published on March 6, 2018 by ArtScroll StaffLeave a comment

A great light began to shine more than two centuries ago — and, finally, it illuminates our lives today, in our own language. It is the light of Rabbeinu Yaakov Abuchatzeira’s masterly commentary on the Torah, Pituchei Chotam.

The Abuchatzeira name is undoubtedly familiar to our readers. Who has not heard of the Baba Sali, Rav Yisrael Abuchatzeira zt’l, Rabbeinu Yaakov’s grandson, and Rav David Chai Abuchatzeira shlita, of Nahariya, Rabbeinu Yaakov’s great-great-grandson?

Now we can get to know their saintly ancestor — and, even more important, the Torah that he taught — through his unusual, inspirational, and fascinating Torah commentary.

Who was Rabbeinu Yaakov Abuchatzeira?

Later known as the Abir Yaakov, Rabbeinu Yaakov was born in 1806. At the tender age of sixteen, he became rav of his town in Morocco, and soon afterward he became the leader of all Moroccan Jewry. For close to 60 years he led his community with almost superhuman dedication. He was famed for his miracles and loved for his devotion, and after his death his grave became a site for pilgrimage and prayer.

And he was a talmid chacham. Oh, what a talmid chacham! He immersed himself in the study of both Talmud and Kabbalah, achieving mastery of all areas of the Torah and a profound understanding of its secrets.

In Pituchei Chotam, Rav Yaakov explores vital concepts that we can learn from the holy words of Chumash — the nature of our world, the unique Jewish mission, the primacy of Torah, the eternal battle between the yetzer hara and the yetzer tov. While the concepts are deep, the commentary can be understood on many levels, by scholars and laymen alike.

ArtScroll’s Pituchei Chotam gives us the text of his commentary in a flowing translation. (The most esoteric teachings were omitted.) The first volume includes Rabbeinu Yaakov’s commentary on Sifrei Bereishit, Shemot, and Vayikra, while Volume 2, Sifrei Bamidbar and Devarim, is in preparation and iy’H will be released in time for the weekly Torah reading.

Rav David Chai Abuchatzeira says of his great-grandfather’s sefer, “It is a … storehouse of fear of God and encouragement to serve Him wholeheartedly. May [those who learn his Torah] and all who aid in this endeavor merit all that is good, physically and spiritually. May all their desires be fulfilled in the best possible way….”

Amein!

To order your copy of Pituchei Chotam today, click here: artscroll.com

ArtScroll Speaks with Hindy Langer, a Committee Member on A Taste of Pesach 2

Published on February 22, 2018February 22, 2018 by ArtScroll StaffLeave a comment

AS: What were the origins of the A Taste of Pesach cookbooks?

HL: We wanted to do a fundraising mailer for Yeshiva Meon Hatorah. We came up with the idea of mailing recipes — and hatt is something that works uniquely well for our team of volunteers. We have a super-talented graphic artist, a super-talented photographer, and some great cooks — and for the last 11 years, we have been working together to produce a yearly pamphlet of Pesach recipes. Two years ago, we collected many of our most popular recipes in A Taste of Pesach, and the cookbook, published by ArtScroll, became a huge bestseller.

AS: What do you think is the secret of your success?

HL: We are a diverse team with very different ways of thinking about food. Our tastes vary, but we all love to cook and serve great food — especially for Yom Tov. With so many different types of cooks, our cookbook has recipes that appeal to everyone. Also, we are in touch with our friends and families all year round to collect delicious, “normal” recipes that work. Finally, our stunning pictures are true-to-life. So when you make a recipe from our cookbook, you know what you are getting.

AS: Taste of Pesach 2 features a special “plating” section. Can you tell us a little about it?

HL: This was the brainchild of Raizy Greisman. People are not always in the mood of cooking fancy food. She wanted to offer people the opportunity to prepare simple food in a way that dazzles. We show how cooks can work with ingredients that they have in their pantry to produce show-stopping presentations that makes the seudos more exciting for kids and guests.

AS: What are the criteria used to choose recipes?

HL: Every person on the committee has different criteria — and that’s why the recipes are so varied! We sit together in a planning meeting right after Succos every year and we present recipes that we’ve tried and loved. Then we’ll prepare them for our tasting/photography session. We always prepare a few extra dishes, because some recipes are nixed at the tasting session.

AS: What are some of your personal favorites?

HL: Some of my favorites include: Chimichurri Lettuce Cups, Pastrami Egg Rolls, Salt-Encrusted Prime Roast, Apple-Apricot Kugel, Pecan Meringues, and Gooey Nut Clusters. The new book also includes some old favorites, such as Doughless Potato Knishes and Pickled Salmon.

“We all love to cook and serve great food — especially for Yom Tov!”

Get your own copy of the brand new A Taste of Pesach 2 HERE: Artscroll.com!

How I Got Through the Week: A look at Just One Word: Emunah

Published on February 15, 2018February 15, 2018 by ArtScroll StaffLeave a comment

How I Got Through the Week:

A look at Just One Word: Emunah

It was one of those weeks. Lots of issues. Medical issues (serious) — a son hospitalized. Medical issues (annoying) — paperwork overload, a missing document, a hospital’s broken fax machine. Professional issues, homeowner issues, traffic and parking issues.

Yes, a tough week. But in the best “refuah lifnei ha’makah” tradition, Hashem sent me something that got me through it, sane and smiling.

It’s called Just One Word: Emunah.

Remember the book that started a revolution: Just One Word. Amen, by Esther Stern? Mrs. Stern has a unique ability to inspire, to transmit Torah concepts, to illustrate those concepts with true stories, to show us how we can change our lives for the better.

In her new book, Just One Word: Emunah, she turns her attention to the topic that has riveted our generation: faith and trust in Hashem.

Back to my awful week. While the world was falling down around me, I was putting a few final editorial changes into her manuscript, and I read:

If a person would examine one of his life’s challenges and calculate how much of his suffering is the actual problem and how much is the accompanying worry, pain, anguish, and fear of the unknown, he would discover that often the problem itself is relatively small compared to the side effects that blow it up into a huge burden. With emunah there are no “side effects.” There is only the net problem.

And I realized — take away the angst and put emunah in its place, and most of my problems shrink down to manageable size.

Then I was berating myself for something I did and getting angry at someone else for something she didn’t do, and I read:

Every individual’s life situation is chosen for him down to the most minor detail, given to him by the only One Who is in charge: HaKadosh Baruch Hu. So we can calm down. We are not to blame, and neither is anyone else.

And on and on. For every problem, a story (there are over 80 true stories in the book!) that helped change frustration to acceptance. For every setback, a Chazal or classic mussar insight that transformed fear to tranquility.

The week came to an end, my son was b’H better. But there will be other weeks like this. And with Just One Word: Emunah — I’ll be much better prepared for whatever Hashem sends my way.

Click HERE to order your copy today from Artscroll.com!

You’re Never Too Young, You’re Never Too Old: Living Emunah books for the entire family

Published on December 5, 2017 by ArtScroll StaffLeave a comment

If you have made Living Emunah a part of your life — and, with over 100,000 copies of the series in print, the odds are that you have — you know that the gift of emunah is huge. The belief in Hashem’s goodness and in His infinite caring carries us through difficult times and energizes us when things are going well. Emunah is a ray of sunshine in stormy weather, a smile when all seems bleak; a hug, so to speak, from heaven. A gift indeed.

So here’s fantastic news for all Living Emunah devotees: Your children, whatever their ages, can now enjoy the same wonderful gift that you have, with books adapted from Living Emunah especially for them.

Living Emunah for Children: Who says emunah is just for big people? Kids need it too! It’s never too early to show our children how much Hashem loves them, and to let them know the incredible power of emunah and tefillah. And how even when things seem bad, they are really good, because Hashem is all goodness. Living Emunah for Children is a collection of fun and kid-friendly stories, carefully chosen and adapted by Leah Sutton for youngsters ages 4 – 8, with delightful, full-color pictures by Chani Judowitz. It makes a fabulous Chanukah gift that kids will want to read over and over — and one whose lessons will last them a lifetime.

Buy now for $17.99 $14.39 on artscroll.com!

Living Emunah for Teens: Today’s world is complex and often puzzling, and teens more than ever need something real to hold onto — emunah in Hashem and His care for us. In realistic scenarios and true stories adapted from Living Emunah especially for teens and reflecting their concerns, our teenagers will learn how emunah can change and enrich their lives, freeing them from anger or jealousy and helping them find the good in everything and everyone — including themselves. Every segment also includes a “Make it Real” guide to help bring the lessons of emunah into their lives.

Buy now for $25.99 $20.79 on artscroll.com!

And while you’re gifting your children with emunah, we’ve got a special gift for you too: Living Emunah Volume 3, with more chizuk, more stories, and more techniques to strengthen your own emunah. Over 10,000 copies have been sold in less than a month since its release — shouldn’t you be reading it too?

Buy now for $25.99 $20.79 on artscroll.com!

**Because emunah is for everyone!**

Don’t forget that ALL other books are on sale for 20% OFF! Click here to shop the ArtScroll Chanukah Sale!

Success! The Baltimore Community Dedication Of Yerushalmi Chagigah Crowdfunding Initiative Reaches Its Goal!

Published on November 22, 2017November 22, 2017 by ArtScroll StaffLeave a comment

The publication of every volume in the Schottenstein Edition Yerushalmi is a cause for celebration, but next week’s release of Yerushalmi Chagigah is particularly special, as it marks the triumphant conclusion of a campaign by the Baltimore Jewish community to dedicate a volume in the Yerushalmi.

The project began two months ago, when a group of Baltimore’s lay leaders proposed a daring and exciting new idea – to raise the $100,000 needed to dedicate a volume in ArtScroll’s Yerushalmi series through a crowdfunding initiative that would include the entire Baltimore Jewish community. And Baltimore did it!

In a wonderful show of unity, rabbanim, businesspeople, professionals, retirees, and many shuls joined together to dedicate the Baltimore Community Edition of Yerushalmi Chagigah. With donations ranging from $10.00 to $18,000.00, it was truly a project that everyone could be a part of.

Appropriately, Baltimore’s Yerushalmi Chagigah has been published in memory of Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz z’l, the Torah publishing pioneer who founded and was the driving force behind ArtScroll’s many accomplishments. As noted author, speaker, and Baltimore resident Rabbi Yissocher Frand declared during the campaign, “My dear friend, Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz z’l, always felt that the Schottenstein Yerushalmi project was the crown jewel of ArtScroll. It is opening a portion of Torah that was closed to all but the greatest scholars for thousands of years.”

A crown jewel indeed. Each volume of the Yerushalmi is the product of the efforts of over 100 talmidei chachamim – ArtScroll’s legendary “Kollel without walls” – and it has unlocked for Klal Yisrael countless treasures of Torah understanding that were once only available to a fortunate few.

The Baltimore initiative has clearly proved that through united action everyone can have a part in the merit of important Torah projects. Give your community the opportunity to put itself on the map of Torah study and dedicate a major work, please contact Rabbi Naftali Miller at naftali@mesorah.com.

Get a FREE volume of Digital Makkos!

Published on November 6, 2017November 6, 2017 by ArtScroll StaffLeave a comment

For a limited time, you can get a FREE digital edition of the ENTIRE Artscroll Hebrew or English Makkos!

If you already have the ArtScroll App Installed on your device:

You can get your free volume directly from the store in the ArtScroll App.

Simply Open the app – tap on Menu > Store
Tap on ALL FREE Downloads – Locate Makkos and download it to your device!

Or you can click one of these links and add it to your cart and check out for FREE – you will be emailed installation instructions:

FREE Makkos Volume – English

FREE Makkos Volume – Hebrew

If do not have have the ArtScroll App Installed on your device:

All you need to do is install the ArtScroll app and the FREE Makkos Volume will automatically be installed!