Posted by Naomi Firestone-Teeter
Note: This post was originally written last week during the Jewish Federation’s General Assembly, a day after this one.
Two inspiring mornings in a row. NETWORK author Marilyn Berger (This is a Soul) shared her story with a very lucky audience this morning at the GA. Prompted by stories about Dr. Rick Hodes, Marilyn traveled to Ethiopia several years ago to learn more about the man who moved to Ethiopia in the early 90′s to help with Operation Solomon, an operation which helped Ethiopian Jews move to Israel, and never left. Dr. Hodes has spent the past twenty years helping Jews and non-Jews alike throughout Ethiopia, Africa, and nearby regions. This is a Soul tells not only the story about this incredible man, a man recently honored by ABC as a “Person of the Week” and a finalist in 2007 for “CNN Heroes”, but also Marilyn’s own story about traveling to Ethiopia and about a boy who changed her life.
An incredible book and an incredible story. Read more here.
Parents: Need an inspiring giveaway for your child’s bar/bat mitzvah? This is it.
Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Naomi is the CEO of Jewish Book Council. She graduated from Emory University with degrees in English and Art History and, in addition, studied at University College London. Prior to her role as executive director and now CEO, Naomi served as the founding editor of the JBC website and blog and managing editor of Jewish Book World. In addition, she has overseen JBC’s digital initiatives, and also developed the JBC’s Visiting Scribe series and Unpacking the Book: Jewish Writers in Conversation.