They’re back!
The people who brought you the classic and iconic 613 Torah Avenue series are proud to present their latest venture – Sefer Vayikra in book form.If you are among the thousands who are enjoying Sefer Bereishis and Sefer Shemos, then you will no doubt love Sefer Vayikra.This brand new bookincludes all the best elements of the first and second volumes and takes the series to a whole new level.
The 613 Torah Avenue audio and video series was created by Rivkah Neuman and Cheryle Knobel and has served to educate and delight two generations of Jewish children with its clever narratives, familiar songs, and powerful messages.Fast forward to the present and the series has takenon a new life in book form.Published by Judaica Press, these volumes are oversized, laminated, glossy, colorful, and very entertaining. They have quicklybecome celebrated best sellers.
So it was hardly surprising that the Torah Avenue team decided to continue the series and publish a book version of Sefer Vayikra. But Vayikra presents own unique set of challenges.The parshiyos deal with complex topics such as korbanos and tzara’as. Many youngsters, says Cheryle, have difficulty learning Sefer Vayikra. And that, she explains, is why this project is so dear to her heart.
“Schools are sometimes reluctant to teach Vayikra to young children,” says Rivkah, “and the children may not always connect to it easily.”
Cheryle and Rivkah were determined to simplify and clarify some of the lofty concepts of Sefer Vayikra, making it easier and more enjoyable for children to comprehend. “Our goal is to increase their knowledge and understanding of Vayikra on their level so that they will appreciate its important lessons.”
In the process of creating a user-friendly volume on Sefer Vayikra, it quickly became clear that older children and, yes, even adults were finding it intriguing and engaging. While clearly geared for youngsters, it is also appealing to a wider, more universal, audience.
It took a full year to bring the vision of Sefer Vayikra to life. An ongoing collaborative effort between Rivkah and Cheryle, Art Director Chanie Judowitz, Illustrator Sarah Zee, and Managing Editor Nachum Shapiro brought about outstanding results.The Torah Avenue dream team shared their collective creativity, talents, and skills to produce a high-quality product. Clearly, this was a labor of love.
In Vayikra, the Torah Avenue team captures a specific concept in each parshah, making it relevant, instructive, and practical. Learning about korbanos may be daunting for children, but Torah Avenue helps bring the subject to life. And the powerful illustrations seem to pop off the pages.
Each parshah presents a different learning opportunity.In Tzav, we learn about shalom.In Shemini, we are introduced to kashrus.In Tazria-Metzora, we address the issue oflashon hora.In Kedoshim, we learn aboutbrachos.And so on.Important lessons are combined with a touch of humor to keep the children riveted and engaged.Also, this bookintroduces us to a new supporting character, Chezky, who is sure to delight Torah Avenue fans with his antics and escapades.And, as in the first two volumes, a CD of the original recording is included, so children can sing along while enjoying the illustrations.
Sefer Vayikra is certainly an ambitious endeavor, and its creators are hoping it will inspire and educate Jewish children the world over.This is a book that is meant to be enjoyed by everyone in the family.
613 Torah Avenue, published by Judaica Press, is endorsed by Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Klein, Director of Torah Umesorah, and is available at a Judaica store near youand at JudaicaPress.com.
{Matzav.com}
