Posted on 11/30/18
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 30, 2018 - Did you know that the history of the Bais Yaakov Movement started on Shabbos Chanukah? That was the day Sarah Schenirer resolved to start a school for girls, as recounted in the wonderful new children’s book, Sarah Builds a School.
Written by local educator Dr. Leslie Ginsparg Klein, the Academic Dean of WITS/Maalot Baltimore, and noted children’s book author Ann D. Koffsky, Sarah Builds a School brings to life the inspirational story of Sarah Schenirer.
For many years, Sarah Schenirer wanted to help girls see the beauty of Orthodoxy, but she didn’t see how she could make a difference. Then one momentous Shabbos Chanukah, she heard a drasha on the holiday’s heroines that inspired her to start a school, and changed Klal Yisroel forever.
Based on Frau Schenirer’s own diary and her student’s memoirs, the authors describe how Sarah Schenirer was teased as child for her dedication to Orthodoxy and later faced opposition in founding Bais Yaakov. But she never let those challenges shake her commitment to Orthodoxy or stop her from doing what she knew was right.
Sarah Builds a School is a delightful story written in a relatable way for children and the book’s engaging illustrations by artist Dena Ackerman help readers connect to Sarah in a tangible way. The book encourages children to strive to emulate her positive example. Just as Sarah was inspired by the stories of Yehudis and Chana, so too today’s children can be inspired by the story of Sarah Schenirer.
Just in time for Chanukah, Sarah Builds a School is available at Shabsi’s Judaica Center (Open this Motzaei Shabbos, Dec. 1 from 8-10:30), and online on Menucha Publisher’s website and on Amazon.com.
Dr. Leslie Ginsparg Klein, the Academic Dean of WITS/Maalot Baltimore
Noted children’s book author Ann D. Koffsky