Window To Yesterday book series by Jeff Lefkowitz
See the Window To Yesterday series at Amazon
What if … buried deep inside your brain were eyewitness memories of events that changed history?
• Memories of what your own great, great – too many to write – grandfather or grandmother saw and did when they were young. • Of how a prankster, a hothead, and a smart, tough girl were swept up in one of history’s great clashes: the first war between the ruthless Roman Empire and underdog Judea. Are you the descendant of heroes? Or of cowards? Would you want to know? And what of those Judeans whose ideas, not swords, would one day conquer the world? It's too late for them. But it’s not too late for you. • This series debut is fun, thought-provoking, and historically accurate. Endorsements For 'The Swordsman' - Window To Yesterday (Book 1)
“A wonderfully engaging and easy way for young teens to enter the tumultuous Jewish world of the first century C.E. Readers get to know in a very personal way the issues faced by the people who shaped what Judaism came to be. This book reminds me of … As a Driven Leaf, … by far … the favorite among my students of Judaism in antiquity … No wonder it has been republished many times … I fully hope and expect that this book will have the same memorable impact on its young – and older – readers for an equally long … time.” –Elliot Dorff, Rabbi, Ph.D. Rector and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy American Jewish University “What a fun ... way to learn about Jewish history! Jump in with these lovable characters as you go back in time … This book is extremely well researched, using primary sources as a springboard for compelling historical fiction. Teachers of Jewish history, texts, and culture, this book is your new go-to resource!” –Dr. Rachel Lerner, Dean, Graduate Center for Jewish Education, American Jewish University "Finally, a Jewish book that is both educational and fun to read! Window to Yesterday seamlessly weaves together fact and fiction. Its use of clever and engaging stories to teach important life lessons reminds me of a more mature, Jewish version of the Wayside School series. I can't wait to share this book with all my students and their families!" -Rabbi Feivel Rubinstein, Owner/Educator, FreelanceJudaism "If you like wit, humor, action and history, then you have to read this book." -Colin Dixon, 8th grader at St. Catherine's Montessori School, Houston, Texas |
THE TORCHBEARER follows THE SWORDSMAN as the second book of the WINDOW TO YESTERDAY series.It is the eve of the First Crusade. Young David lives in the land once called Israel, now ruled by Muslims. From his shackled destiny, David rebels and seeks adventure and freedom. But at what cost? Brilliant Rebecca and Rabbi Elazar have found a haven in the idyllic German lands, where Judaism blossoms. Then comes the fateful November cry for revenge… With love and laughter, courage and betrayal, together - and apart - they step into war.
Fast-paced but profound, as much comic as tragic, The Torchbearer captures Jewish history's harrowing glory. Endorsements For 'The Torchbearer' - Window To Yesterday (Book 2)
“The Torchbearer is a beautiful entrée into the fascinating and often astonishing world of Jewish life during the Middle Ages. Jews traveled more than most other communities, spoke many languages, and served invaluable roles in both the Christian and Muslim worlds. This book brings this universe to life in all its complexity through an engaging narrative with adventure, surprise and intrigue.” – Dr. Reuven Firestone, Regenstein Professor in Medieval Judaism and Islam at Hebrew Union College and Affiliate Professor of Religion at the University of Southern California “Ever wonder what life was like for a Jewish kid during the First Crusade? Well, now you can find out! Weaving in a tremendous amount of research, Jeff Lefkowitz has created a living world that spans both the Muslim and Ashkenazi lands … What a fabulous addition to the Jewish educational landscape.” – Dr. Rachel Lerner, Dean, Graduate Center for Jewish Education, American Jewish University “Once again, Jeff Lefkowitz lights the way for teens toward a deeper understanding of Jewish life and history. The Torchbearer, his latest addition to the Window to Yesterday series, is a well-researched, relevant, and marvelous journey. Truly fun to read.” – Dr. Bruce Powell, Head Emeritus, de Toledo High School and co-author of Raising A+ Human Beings “I definitely recommend this book! Teenagers and adults alike will enjoy David’s journey. The story unfolds through the eyes of young characters; teenagers will cheer for them and truly connect with them.” – Carolyn Kessler, senior at The Emery/Weiner School, Houston, Texas |