I grew up in West Islip, Long Island, NY, a small beach community, and we lived about three blocks from the shore/ocean. It was idyllic. In my heart I still call it home.
I moved to California in 1969, and I lived in the San Fernando Valley.
I go by the name of Jew Wishes, and I advocate religious and cultural understanding, peace and tolerance. The events of the past have no concise answers, and one can psychoanalyze each person and each situation, to no avail. In my opinion there are no “Holocaust Experts”, and I wrote about that in a Jew Wishes post. My only goal with this blog is to try to foster religious and cultural awareness relating to Judaism.
I have an enormous/massive and extensive collection of non-fiction books relating to the Holocaust, such as memoirs, survivor stories, witness accounts, books written from Holocaust victims’ diaries and journals, books on WWII, etc. (to say hundreds would be to minimize the collection, it is well over one thousand). Through my reading these books, and collecting them, I feel that I am personally remembering the individuals depicted in the books. It is my life’s accompaniment, and a way of honoring their lives. My books will be passed down to my children at some point and will be a part of their Jewish inheritance, in order for them to keep the memory of these individuals alive. And so on, and so forth…
I am an avid first edition book collector, and I read anywhere from 3-4 books a week (some times 5 books), along with newspapers and periodicals, etc. I have been collecting first editions in all genres for many years. I began collecting Holocaust Memoirs about two years ago. I am passionate about photography, and I write, enjoy music and gardening.
All books, films, music, essays, and other reviews and thoughts on such, etc. that I have written are in my own words, my personal prose reflecting my thoughts and feelings on what I have read or seen, been involved with or photographed. All photographs that I have taken will be notated as such. I have read and own almost every book I write a review on. Where I have reviewed a film, if I own the DVD I will notate as such, otherwise, it will have been a recently released film that I have seen, or a film I have watched on TV, and am reviewing.
Any prose, poetry, news and journalistic material, or other writings not written by me will be notated as such, and/or linked back to the author or newspaper, relevant document, etc.
I do not expect comments on my writings, photography, poetry and/or prose and blog posts. I have created this site strictly for my own personal reasons, including time and place, and ancestral remembrance.
If you are an author or publisher, and would like to send me a “review” or “advanced” copy of your non-fiction or fiction Holocaust/WWII-related book to read and/or review, please leave a message with the name of the book, as it will be forwarded to me. I will answer you via email. If I agree to review your book, I will make certain that your book is a priority, above others.
Thank you for stopping by.
Peace to you all…Jew Wishes
© Copyright – All Rights Reserved – No permission is given or allowed to reuse my photography, book reviews, thoughts, writings, or my poetry in any form/format without my expresss written consent/permission
Hey, nice site – I like the review you wrote on Saturday wife, I think I’m gonna read it.
By: jewlab on October 30, 2007
at 3:37 pm
Thanks for coming by, jewlab.
By: jewwishes on October 31, 2007
at 2:41 am
I was delighted to find your blog today. I like what its all about “Jew wishes for peace and understanding”, “I advocate peace, understanding,tolerance”.
I like the fact that you ” read anywhere from 2-4 books a week” and are a very talented writer in your reviews.
I am just beginning my blog (third week) and it is all about advocating for unity: first, since I’m coming from the christian tradition, unity of all christians; but also unity of the human family.
I have placed you on my blogroll tentatively as an excellent reference for American Jewishness- I like your links; very thorough. Thank you very much for your fine work.
e4unity.wordpress.com
By: e4unity on April 15, 2008
at 6:52 pm
” I advocate peace, understanding, tolerance.”
————————————
Hi, Shalom, Salaam,
I am also working toward that purpose. I am a Muslim and deeply believe that we have no other way but to respect others and love each other because we all are human being.
We have to cross the borders of different faiths, races, colors, nations, . . .and make a world of tolerance and peace.
We have to put a difference between politics and human values.
By: Parsin on April 19, 2008
at 11:40 am
Thank you for stopping by, Parsin and e4unity.
By: jewwishes on April 20, 2008
at 9:18 pm
Thank you for stopping by e4unity.
By: jewwishes on June 3, 2008
at 9:41 am
Thank you for stopping by, Parsin.
By: jewwishes on June 3, 2008
at 9:41 am
Dear Jew Wishes,
After spending some time reading your blog, I’ve been inspired to write to you about a novel that I truly believe you would love. In all the time I’ve been working at St. Martin’s Press, I have never seen readers respond to a book the way they do to SARAH’S KEY by Tatiana de Rosnay. After reading SARAH’S KEY, people call and email me to tell me that they wished the book would never end, that they’ll never forget the story, that they need another copy to give to their neighbor/sister/mother/daughter/friend, etc. In short, everyone who reads this book falls in love.
Written by best-selling French author Tatiana de Rosnay, this novel is based on the true events that took place in Paris & France during WWII. If you are not familiar with the V’el d’Hiv, then after reading this novel, you will wonder—as I do—why we do not teach about it in our classrooms. The novel follows the stories of two people affected by the events of the V’el d’Hiv—the first, an American journalist in modern-day France assigned to write an article on the anniversary of the V’el d’Hiv and the second, a young girl named Sarah who lived through those dark days.
I would simply love to share a copy of this book with you. Please send me your address if you’re interested and I will put one in the mail right away.
Sarah Goldstein
Marketing
St. Martin’s Press
By: Sarah Goldstein on August 6, 2008
at 1:43 pm
Thank you so much for stopping by, Sarah Goldstein.
I have sent you an email.
I appreciate your taking time to write a comment.
I have read and posted my thoughts on Sarah’s Key.
By: jewwishes on August 6, 2008
at 2:45 pm
I’ve just come across your blog and will most certainly come back. It is both beautiful and interesting.
By: ilanadavita on August 8, 2008
at 7:11 am
Thank you, ilanadavita.
By: jewwishes on August 18, 2008
at 11:19 pm
I enjoyed going through all your book reviews. My book shelf only overlapped with one of the books you read. Makes me feel like there is a world I am missing out there. Thank you for reaching out and making a connection. The best way to build a community is one person at a time. –With Intention @ michaeltpullen.wordpress.com
By: mTp on September 4, 2008
at 8:41 pm
MTp: Thanks for stopping by and commenting. What book is it that you have? Is it The Torah or the Tanakh?
My books are treasures to me…especially the memoirs and witness accounts…and in reading them, I can then remember the individuals within the pages. Many of them will no longer be with us, and before we know it, their physical presences will be lost.
When I read Jewish Literature/fiction, I try to find books with historical data inside it.
A community is built one person at a time, you’re right…and one step at a time, whether it be online or in our daily lives at work and at home.
By: jewwishes on September 4, 2008
at 9:46 pm
I came across your blog via google alerts. The i Tetralogy is a major work on the Holocaust which has garnered remarkable reviews around the world. I will not market it with you with blurbs, etal. if you google my name and the title, i am sure you will reach a determination. if you go to http://www.mathiasbfreese.com peruse my “On the Holocaust,” a talk given on an army base for Holocaust survivors.
Kidn regards,
Matt Freese
By: mathias b. freese on September 8, 2008
at 6:37 pm
Matt: Thank you for the visit. I will check out your website.
~~Lori
By: jewwishes on September 8, 2008
at 8:17 pm
Hi, I read your post on Here in HP, I can help you with the research of your family. I live in Lithuania and I often travel to Vilnius, if I can help please let me know!
By: Carra on September 13, 2008
at 1:33 am
Thanks for stopping by, Carra.
By: jewwishes on September 13, 2008
at 9:33 am
I stumbled on your blog by accident. I have a Jewish book blog, that I started a couple months ago. I have been trying to get the word out.
http://38thavediivareaders.blogspot.com/.
Come check it out. I have 2 blogs make sure you visit the right one Hadassah Turn The Page Book Club. I will add you on my blog roll I hope you do the same for me
By: Susan on September 13, 2008
at 2:40 pm
Susan: Thank you for visiting. I will check your Jewish book blog out.
Thank you for the link.
By: jewwishes on September 13, 2008
at 3:19 pm
may i forward a query about The i Tetralogy, a historical fiction on the Holcoaust that has garnered remarkable reviews around the world? Google the itle for reviews and interviews with me.
thank you
kind regards,
matt freese
By: mathias b. freese on September 22, 2008
at 12:22 pm
Mathias: I received your review copy last week. I have finished reading the two review copies that I received before yours, and will begin yours tomorrow.
Thank you for the copy.
By: jewwishes on September 22, 2008
at 4:01 pm
I just started wondering, that I have this story of my great-grandmother in mind that I would love to write about.
It is so personal and yet so much like many other, and now I wish I had the time to sit down and write it peacefully. If I will you’ll be the first person I’ll send it to.
By: carra on October 2, 2008
at 1:26 pm
Carra: I think it would be a great idea to write about your grandmother.
You might try writing it in between, only when you have time, and are in a calming situation. Don’t over burden yourself to finish, do it gradually.
I will be glad to help you with it…edit it, give feedback, etc.
By: jewwishes on October 2, 2008
at 2:19 pm
Jewwishes,
I am so grateful I stumbled upon your website. I was reading the NY Times book review this evening and came across the Trade Fiction tiny review of Sarah’s Key. I wanted to know more about the context of the story, so I did a “google” and your blog came up. Thank you. I too am a transplanted NY’er who now lives in Laguna Beach Ca. I too read everything I can get my hands on regarding the holocaust. My parents are both survivors and I started to write my mother’s memoirs this year. The working title is Because of Sergeant Finch…The truth shall live on forever thanks to people and writers like us. If you can, please recommend any memoirs and I can recommend any I read. I am currently reading My Father’s Secret War by Lucinda Franks and so far, it is very well written. Another book I especially liked was The Seamstress. I am not sure if this is the right avenue to contact you but please e-mail me @ columbo1@cox.net. Thank you,
Es G
By: Es on November 2, 2008
at 9:01 pm
Thank you for stopping by, and for leaving your kind words, Es G. I have emailed you.
By: jewwishes on November 2, 2008
at 9:41 pm
Dear Jewishes,
I would love to have a copy of my novel, Who By Fire, sent to you for a review. It’s a family story set in Israel in 2002 that explores what happens when we try to rescue the people we love. Please get in touch!
By: Diana Spechler on November 9, 2008
at 10:43 am
Diana Spechler: I would love to have a copy of your novel to review.
I will send you an email.
Thank you!
By: jewwishes on November 9, 2008
at 11:07 am
Hello
I really really find your site very good. I’m always looking for new sites and blogs to read, so I added you to my browser favorites and to my blogroll. My book blog is located at http://shesabibliophile.wordpress.com
Would you like to exchange links? My book site is not that new, but I’m just now getting the chance to update it and such.
Also, I have a review of Sarah’s Key and Suite Francaise on my blog that might interest you. I’ve always read books about WWII and the Holocaust (because it keeps the memories and words alive – it’s important to never forget), so I’ll probably add such reviews in the future.
Thanks for making such a great blog!
By: shesabibliophile on November 9, 2008
at 12:48 pm
shesabibliophile, thanks for stopping by.
By: jewwishes on November 9, 2008
at 6:29 pm
Hi, If you don’t mind wanted to alert you of a new book that has been release.
THE ALL-JEWISH CARTOON COLLECTION
by MORT GERBERG
You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy laughing at this delightful tsimmis* of cartoons with an ethnic flavor, created by one of America’s leading cartoonists.
By: Simon Schatzmann on November 27, 2008
at 3:46 am
Hi Jew Wishes…
I wanted to know if you ever write reviews of Jewish music? My wife, Rebecca is coming out with a new CD release entitled Kaveh/Hope. Here is the link to her older release with a few songs online:
http://cdbaby.com/all/rebeccateplow
“Prayers”, her old cd was rated as one of the best cds of the year by the The Forward Newspaper–see this link: http://www.forward.com/articles/4094/
If you are interested, let me know and I’ll send you a review copy.
Thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Josh
By: Josh on December 13, 2008
at 8:09 pm
Josh: I will be glad to review the CD.
By: jewwishes on December 14, 2008
at 10:47 am
We have a book you may want to review: Tightrope: Six Centuries of a Jewish Dynasty by Michael Karpin (Sept. 2008) Wiley & Sons). It’s not exclusively about the Holocaust but traces 750 years of the author’s family history. We’d love to send you a review copy if you are interested.
About the book: The Backenroth family have been part of watershed events in Jewish history: the migration of their community from western to eastern Europe, the creation of the Hasidic movement, the birth of Zionism, and the loss of many of their family during the Holocaust. Michael Karpin traces his family’s history – from the Middle Ages on – in the epic saga Tightrope: Six Centuries of a Jewish Dynasty.
These talented and creative men and women faced all kinds of situations and often had to display resourcefulness and courage in order to survive. Time and time again they slid from prosperity and opulence to profound poverty and distress, and time after time they managed to surmount crises by virtue of their personal abilities, their tenacious belief in their values, and family solidarity.
About the author: Michael Karpin has been an Israeli television and radio news reporter, anchor and foreign bureau chief. More recently he has produced investigative books and documentaries, including A Bomb in the Basement – How Israel Went Nuclear and What That Means to the World and Murder in the name of God. He lives in Tel Aviv. Learn more at http://www.michaelkarpin.com.
Warm regards,
Paula
By: Paula Krapf on January 11, 2009
at 12:23 pm
Paula…I would be very much interested in a review copy, and will email you my details. The book sounds profound.
Thank you….Warm Regards…Lorri
By: jewwishes on January 11, 2009
at 1:09 pm
Greetings. I am the author of a love story framed within the Holocaust, called, Jacob’s Courage. The novel was inspired in part by my mother’s experiences with intolerance and brutality as a young Jew in Russia, prior to World War II.
Jacob’s Courage is a tender coming of age story of two young adults living in Salzburg at the time when the Nazi war machine enters Austria. This historical novel presents accurate scenes and situations of Jews in the ghettos and concentration camps, with particular attention to Theresienstadt and Auschwitz.
Sincerely,
Charles S. Weinblatt
Author, “Jacob’s Courage: A Holocaust Love Story”
By: cweinblatt on January 26, 2009
at 12:56 pm
Charles S. Weinblatt: Thank you for visiting, and leaving your short bio, and the history concerning your novel.
~~Lorri
By: jewwishes on January 26, 2009
at 10:49 pm
Hi,
We have two books you may be interested in:
Good Book by David Plotz
http://browseinside.harpercollins.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061374241
The Kindly Ones by Jonathan Littell
http://browseinside.harpercollins.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061353451
Let me know if you want a review copy.
kyle.hansen@harpercollins.com
By: cosmokyle on February 20, 2009
at 2:36 pm
Thank you for visiting, cosmokyle.
By: jewwishes on February 20, 2009
at 5:23 pm
Hey Jew Wishes! I’ve searched near and far but can’t seem to find an email for you. Can you shoot me an email for your WINNING Purim Basket gift code? Plus I have an additional offer
-Chavi
By: Chavi on March 2, 2009
at 12:58 pm
I’ll zap it over to you! Thanks!!!
By: jewwishes on March 2, 2009
at 1:46 pm
Hi Lorri. I just posted a link to this lite at my book’s web site here http://jacobscourage.wordpress.com/. Would you care to reciprocate with a link here to that site?
Chuck Weinblatt
Author, “Jacob’s Courage”
csw1@sev.org
By: cweinblatt on March 3, 2009
at 3:26 pm
Chuck…it’s done! Thanks for the link on your site.
By: jewwishes on March 4, 2009
at 12:28 am
Shalom! Thanks for leaving a comment on Jerusalem Hills DP and thereby letting me find your wonderful blog.
See you again. Shabbat shalom.
By: Dina on March 6, 2009
at 12:36 am
Dina: Thank you for your kind words. Shabbat shalom!
By: jewwishes on March 6, 2009
at 9:58 am
Glad to have found this blog.
Sunny regards from France and Shalom,
Deborah Rey
By: Deborah Rey on March 17, 2009
at 5:13 am
Thanks for visiting, Deborah.
By: jewwishes on March 17, 2009
at 9:23 am
Hi,
I have spent some time reading your blog posts and I am amazed. I, too, have an intense interest in Holocaust narratives. Do you have a LibraryThing account where I could look at your library? I would love to see them as a collection.
Thanks,
LibrarysCat
By: LibrarysCat on May 25, 2009
at 10:23 pm
Thanks for visiting, LibrarysCat. I will send the library thing link over to you, although it is definitely not up to date, as I recently joined.
By: jewwishes on May 26, 2009
at 9:09 am
I love your mission statement, and would offer more detailed compliments but they would seem transparently calculating the moment I thanked you for buying my book – Hiding in the Spotlight. Enjoy.
By: greg dawson on July 27, 2009
at 8:48 pm
Greg: I look forward to reading and reviewing it.
By: jewwishes on July 27, 2009
at 10:51 pm
I’m enjoying your reviews and have found a few books on Jew Wishes that I will certainly add to my own collection.
I am working on a book of narrative nonfiction, My Grandparents’ Holocaust. It is the story of my grandparents’ struggle for survival in the concentration camps intertwined with my own efforts to resurrect the truth behind their Holocaust.
To read excerpts from the book you can view my blog: http://www.mygrandparentsholocaust.blogspot.com
Thanks very much and I look forward to reading more of your thoughts on Jewish literature.
By: Noah Lederman on August 11, 2009
at 11:56 am
Thank you for visiting, Noah. I will check out your website.
By: jewwishes on August 11, 2009
at 12:16 pm
I have been referred to you by Susan Curtis of Bagels,Books and schmooze who is currently reviewing a book that I have published, entitled `The Polski Affair’ which is what I would call documentary fiction, in that it is based on the research by Abraham Shulman of the role played by the Hotel Polski during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw.
If you are interested, there are details on my website. To me the role of the Hotel Polski is signicant and shows the depth of decption and depravity that the Nazis used.
By: Chris Banner on August 16, 2009
at 1:06 am
Chris Banner: Thank you for your visit. I will be in contact.
By: jewwishes on August 16, 2009
at 8:42 am
You were nominated for a BBAW award. Can you please send me your e-mail address?
Thanks!
bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com
By: Julie P. on August 18, 2009
at 12:56 pm
I have emailed you my address.
Thank you!
By: jewwishes on August 18, 2009
at 1:05 pm