Modern Tragedy: the Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

This novel is beautifully written, and painfully sad. It vividly conveys the horrors of the Syrian Civil War, still raging now, and the plight of its refugees, and people from other war-town countries, as they seek to find asylum. The descriptions of pre-war Aleppo feel like photographs of a place we will never be able to visit, because it has been mercilessly destroyed, and all of its beauty and life is gone forever.

As I read it, and followed the saga of Nuri, a beekeeper, and his wife, Afra, a painter, I was fascinated and then ashamed of the way Syria and its citizens have been largely forgotten by so many, including our own leadership in the United States. Sadly though, the story of Syria, an ancient civilization with many centers of learning and art, is not unique. What's happening there has happened over and over again through the course of history, in the Middle East, in Africa and in Europe.

Despite all the sadness and privations of Nuri and Afra's experience, there are also moments of beauty and hopefulness that remind us that we should not give up on humanity, and that there is still goodness and kindness to encourage us to go forward, whatever our personal trials may be. Christy Lefteri's novel is compelling and lyrical reading.

Another Dimension of Lincoln: We Called Him Father Abraham – Lincoln and American Jewry

A fascinating look at Abraham Lincoln, mainly told through the writings of the eminent Jewish leaders and rabbis of his day, some of whom knew him, and the eulogies and sermons delivered in synagogues upon his death and at commemorative occasions.

While the book is dense with information, excerpts from the original writings, and supportive material, it is completely readable and paints a portrait of the man from an uncommon viewpoint. It thoroughly supports the idea that Lincoln was a beloved friend of the Jewish people, as well as a man of great intellect, wisdom, humor and compassion.

The book is scholarly, but totally accessible. Students of Lincoln, especially Jewish ones, will find a lot to learn.