About this book
Torah stories, for today’s kids
An Angel Called Truth offers short, engaging stories related to the weekly Torah portion written for kids 10 to 13. These new midrashic tales by Rabbi Jeremy Gordon and Emma Parlons are matched with breathtaking artwork by Pete Williamson.
Readers meet a vibrant cast of characters, primarily children—though with an occasional angel, as in the title story—who bring a new twist to each week’s Torah portion and to each Jewish holiday.
An Angel Called Truth is designed to captivate pre-teens with its relatable characters and stories, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and the lives of young readers today.
Every story is told from the perspective of young people, whether they feature in the biblical narrative, classic Rabbinic commentary, or have been specially crafted for this book. (Notes in the back provide references to the specific passage of midrash or Talmud that inspired the story.)
Each story also includes discussion questions to connect the “back then” of the stories to the “right now” lives of today’s kids, making An Angel Called Truth the perfect companion for Shabbat table conversations or Hebrew school discussions.
“A delightful, accessible, engaging introduction to midrash for kids. I know it’ll be in heavy rotation in my home; I imagine yours, too.”
–Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author of On Repentance and Repair and Nurture the Wow
About the Authors and Illustrator
Jeremy is the Rabbi of New London Synagogue. He’s a father of three and an experienced youth worker having led Jewish youth groups in America and the United Kingdom since the age of 16. He’s been hugely inspired by the Torah in his own life and believes passionately that young people will connect to this vital book – if the opportunities to connect are expressed with enough wit, charm and age-appropriate intelligence.
Emma has worked in the world of brand marketing and digital communication for more than 20 years. Also a lifestyle writer, commercial copywriter and social media photographer, Emma has found creating these alternative micro stories with Rabbi Jeremy, while learning so much about the Torah, an unbelievably fun and inspiring experience.
Pete is a self-taught artist and award-winning children’s book illustrator. He is best known for the much-loved ‘Stitch Head’ series, written by Guy Bass, and the award-winning ‘The Raven Mysteries’, written by Marcus Sedgwick. He has illustrated over 65 books written by such acclaimed authors as Francesca Simon, Steve Cole, Matt Haig and Charles Dickens.
Praise for An Angel Called Truth
This is a delightful, accessible, engaging introduction to midrash for kids. I know it’ll be in heavy rotation in my home; I imagine yours, too.
–Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author of Nurture the Wow and other books.
A wonderful compendium of Bible stories that will engage your tween with interesting, imaginative tales followed up with thought-provoking questions.
–Rabbi Amy Grossblatt Pessah, author of Parenting on a Prayer
If you would like to go for a walk on your “ordinary” street and meet a bunch of strange and ancient stories hiding in “ordinary” clothes and asking you puzzles about your “ordinary” life, this is the book for you!
–Rabbi Arthur Waskow, co-author of Before There Was a Before.
