Notes from the Lampert Library

So there’s this rag tag troupe of people going for what turns out to be a very long walk. They are led by a speech impaired former prince of Egypt- that’s another story – who, in turn, is guided by an invisible god. It’s no wonder that the crowd often disappointed its leader and needed some guidance.

This sounds like a recipe for disaster. How does a mob not become a menace?

With rules, of course.

During the Hebrew month of Sivan, we celebrate that great event when the disorganized group of men, women and children become unified by shared ethics and societal goals. We call that celebration Shavuot in recognition of the seven week journey from slavery to the beginnings of responsibility and self-government.

Much has been written not only about the Ten Commandments but also and about the entire Torah with its instructive stories and laws. Here’s a list of items good not just for Shavuot reading but for any day of the year.

J indicates books suitable for young readers.

JE Pingry The Story of the Ten Commandments in simple language and board book format explains what the commandments are and what they mean.

221 Unscrolled: 54 writers and artists wrestle with the Torah can be iconoclastic but it never fails to be thought provoking.

222.1 Dershowitz The Genesis of Justice: ten stories of Biblical injustice that led to the Ten Commandments and modern law shows how early Bible stories influenced contemporary law.

J222.2 Topek Ten Good Rules: a counting book in a brief text and photos describes the Exodus from Egypt and explains each commandment for very young children.

222.2 Feiler America’s Prophet: Moses and the American story is Feiler’s take on how the story of Moses and the Israelites’ flight to freedom influenced America.

J222.5 Cone Who Knows Ten? Children’s tales of the Ten Commandments features simple clever stories that enrich the understanding of the Ten Commandments for young readers.

J256 Nerlove The Ten Commandments for Jewish Children explains each of the commandments in a child friendly way.

YA263 Salkin Text Message: a Torah Commentary for teens seeks to deepen and enrich the reader’s life.

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Aileen Grossberg

Aileen Grossberg, a professional librarian, is a long-time congregant and serves as volunteer librarian for Shomrei's Lampert Library. The library, one of the best-kept secrets at Shomrei is used by the Rabbi, congregants, students and teachers of the JLC (Hebrew School) and Preschool. It's a tremendous resource completely supported by your donations and gifts. Aileen also heads the Shomrei Caterers, the in-house food preparation group. Can there be any better combination…good food and good books!

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