It’s the Hebrew month of Tammuz, and soon we will enter the Three Weeks, when we mourn the destruction of our Temple, the Beis Hamikdash. G-d willing, I will post a recommended reading list, but meanwhile, I wanted to tell you about two amazing books that bring the Second Temple, and its destruction, to life. Both are by Rabbi Meir Uri Gottesman.
The Morning Star consists of two parts, one happening in the present and the other taking place in the Second Temple period. Well written and engaging, it not only accurately portrays the goings on in the Temple, but also touches on deeper issues of reincarnation, our purpose in this world, and final redemption. It is thought-provoking for adults, but also enjoyed by kids ages 10 and up.
The Harp is the story of the destruction of the Second Temple. Beautifully told and mystical, it portrays the struggles of Jews living in that time period and the siege and battle over Jerusalem and the Temple. Some scenes are graphic and gruesome and are not for the faint of heart or for younger children, though they are, unfortunately, too accurate. Very appropriate reading for this time of the year.