Overview

AJL Notable Book:

Shlomo and his wife, Miriam, live in a bright, tidy house in the ancient city of Baghdad.  The couple’s greatest joy is welcoming guests for Shabbat.  But one week, there isn’t a single poor or lonely person who can join them.  When a mysterious traveler knocks on their door, Shlomo and Miriam treat him royally.  Then, before he leaves, the grateful guest blesses the couple with the strangest bracha they’ve ever heard.

Your home “ would be better with a sticky stained tablecloth….  And it would be much, much better with crumbs scattered on the floor.”

The two of them can’t help wondering: what will happen next?

Based on a tale of Eliyahu Hanavi, this beautiful story of hidden blessing is a heartwarming treat for the entire family.

AJL Notable Book

PJ Library Selection

Much, Much Better

Written by Rabbi Chaim Kosofsky, illustrated by Jessica Schiffman

ISBN 13: 978-1-929628-22-3 / LCCN: 2005938544d

Hardcover/ Ages 4-7 / List Price $14.95

Published Date: September 2006

Author Information

About the author:

Rabbi Chaim Kosofsky teaches Judaic studies at LubavitcherYeshivaAcademy in Longmeadow, MA.  He was a 2001 recipient of the Harold Grinspoon Excellence in Education award.  He teaches adult education and coordinates holiday programs for Bais Medresh Lubavitch.  Rabbi Kosofsky lives in Springfield, MA with his wife and six children.

Illustrator Information

About the Artist:

Jessica Schiffman studied painting at the San Francisco Art Institute. For nine years she has illustrated children’s books and magazines.  Jessica also paints, creates comic strips and teaches  graphic storytelling (a fancy name for comic books!) at the IdyllwildArtsAcademy. She lives in a small mountain village in California.