The Story Behind Tell Me the Story The Rebbe Who Made it Happen
Rabbi Yaakov Hopkowitz:
The man who turned the whole country into his classroom
When Rabbi Yaakov Hopkowitz is asked the date of the creation of the V’shinantam Levanecha series, he smiles, and in his usual low key manner says, “About 5772 years ago.” The truth is, his answer is only partially correct. While the stories that inspired the series began with Bereishis, the creation of the world, the inspiration to turn these stories into engaging content that children would clamor to read began about 25 years ago. Rabbi Hopkowitz, a much admired and well known mechaneich, realized that there had to be a way to bring the classroom experience home. He sought books that
were well written and designed, as well as attractive and inviting; so that children would choose them over conventional leisure reading publications. After carefully analyzing the wide range of reading material available, Rav Hopkowitz concluded that the only way his vision could succeed would be to introduce an entirely new level of excellence in children’s literature. Because he was essentially “retelling” stories that many children already knew, or thought they did, it was critical to make them engaging and unique. Rabbi Hopkowitz spared no expense in hiring the finest illustrators to work with him in
producing his debut volume, The Story of Shlomo Hamelech.
release, this population of students grew larger.
Thanks to his years of hands-on teaching experience, he understood how to create books that would be both entertaining and educational, even after repeated reads. The books were crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, both in content and in construction quality. The books are magnificent and eye-catching, with full color laminated pages. Their covers are printed on durable stock, to withstand repeated use.
The series soon came to the attention of HaRav Fisher of the Eidah Hachreidis in Yerushalayim. Harav Fisher advised Rav Yaakov to devote all of his skills and enthusiasm to his book series. “Just look at it as a bigger classroom,” Harav Fisher said, with a smile. Rabbi Koplowitz exchanged his small classroom for one that spanned continents, and dedicated himself full time to teaching Torah to Jewish children around the world.
The debut volume, The Story of Shlomo Hamelech, was received with exceptional enthusiasm and interest; and was quickly sold out. But despite his success, Rabbi Hopkowitz’s main goal remained the same - to be the best mechaneich possible.
His goal remains the same: chinuch. Every new volume shares the stellar quality that has become the brand and trademark of his creations, the V’shinantam Levanecha series. And every new volume can
He spent the next few years in two classrooms: one that he taught in during the day; and his “after school project”, the V’shinantam Levanecha classroom, which quickly grew to include thousands of children. With each new
take pride of place in your classroom, where it will enhance your lessons and help your students grow.
About Tell Me The Story: The Series The Tell Me the Story series were written by a classroom rebbe with a simple goal: to give his students Torah stories they will want to read. The books are an extension of the classroom. They bring Torah stories to life, with breathtakingly vivid illustrations and easy to read prose. Every word and illustration is carefully crafted to enhance comprehension and inspire imagination. The series was launched with Parsha stories. It has grown to include dozens of books on Torah topics – including Know Novi; Bedtime Stories of Middos and Good Deeds, books on the months of the year and Yomim Tovim, and the Eternal Lights series featuring stories of tzaddikim. Recent releases include the long anticipated Know Navi volume 3; and the latest, Tell Me the Story, Shabbos - a musthave for every Jewish home and classroom. Despite the fact that Tell Me the Story was originally launched in Israel, a market with no shortage of children’s reading material, the series was exceptionally well received. It became an instant hit with parents, teachers, and children of all ages. The series is popular among people of all backgrounds, including secular Jews. One teacher from a well-known secular Kibbutz commended the Tell Me the Story group for “finally
producing a way to teach children the Parsha that will keep their attention. Based on how my students respond to it, the books have become our #1 choice - in the classroom and at home”. Not surprisingly, the series, which in addition to Hebrew & English, has been translated into Yiddish, French & Spanish, has garnered similar praise on an international level. While the languages may differ, the compliments rarely do, as parents and teachers the world over immediately recognize a sensation when they see it. Classroom teachers and rebbeim use the books to enhance their lessons. They display the illustrations as they tell the Parsha, so that visual learners can connect with the story being told orally; or read the stories aloud; or give students the opportunity to read the books independently, as a review or during quiet reading time. The books are always sought after by students, who eagerly anticipate their turn to read the books. One innovative teacher reported that she sends a volume home with a different child each week, so that they can enjoy the stories over Shabbos. Her students await their turn, and parents tell her that they bring the book to the Shabbos table, where it sparks Torah conversation among children of all ages! Tell Me the Story will enhance your teaching experience, and open new vistas for your students. Don’t take our word for it! Try it for FREE. Read the enclosed stories to your students, and watch them come alive!
C KNHA FR OWPTE EE N RO OV F I
Adoniyahu invited his brothers, the sons of the king, and some great people from Shevet Yehuda to a big feast. He hoped that during the meal, he would be crowned as king.
“Yoav, the army general and Evyasar the Kohein have helped my father and he was a successful king. If they will agree to join me, I too will be successful,” he thought. “When the Yidden will see these two important men following me, they will surely join me.”
Even though the crown did not fit his head, Adoniyahu summoned Yoav, the general and Evyasar the Kohen, and ordered them to join him.
The crown was a very unique crown. Hashem made it so that it should fit the one who He chose to be king. If the king’s head was small, the crown would become small, while if the king’s head was big, the crown would widen accordingly. This was a nes that Hashem performed in order for the people to know who Hashem chose to be king.
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Adoniyahu did not invite Nosson HaNavi. He knew that the Navi had prophesized that his brother Shlomo would inherit the kingdom after his father Dovid. Shlomo was also not invited to partake in the feast.
Nosson HaNavi was very angry. “Adoniyahu wants to act against the nevuah that was said by Hashem,” he said. “Dovid Hamelech is not aware of his son’s actions. He must be told at once!”
Nosson HaNavi made his way quickly to Batsheva, Shlomo’s mother and said to her, “Have you heard that Adoniyahu is trying to take over the kingdom? He has prepared a feast during which he hopes to be crowned king. The king Dovid does not know of this! The king has promised that your son Shlomo will rule after him. I am afraid that Adoniyahu will try to kill both you and Shlomo! Let’s hurry to the king. You must remind him of his promise to you. I will come along with you.” 65
D
Melachim
Shlomo Hamelech is crowned as king
ovid Hamelech lay on his bed in the palace, frail and weak.
Dovid was seventy years old. Throughout his lifetime, he had fought many wars against the Plishtim, the nation that had caused the Yidden so much suffering. He also had had to fight against the Yidden who had rebelled against him. Even his own son, Avshalom, had fought against him and he had been forced to escape and wander from place to place for many days.
Adoniyahu ben Chagit, Dovid’s son, was strolling around outside the palace. Adoniyahu was very handsome and good-looking. He was also very spoiled; his father Dovid had never rebuked him for his inappropriate actions. Adoniyahu thought to himself, My father is so ill. Surely he will soon die and I will take his place. I am handsome and my father loves me. Now that he is sick, I can begin ruling over the Yidden right away! Adoniyahu did not only think these things to himself; he also told them to all his friends and acquaintances. “Very soon I will become the next king,” he would say boastfully. Adoniyahu was not accustomed to having patience and to waiting for his wishes to be fulfilled. He decided to begin ruling as king even though his father was still alive. Adoniyahu prepared a chariot harnessed to fine horses and chose fifty people to run before the chariot – just as was done for a king.
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Adoniyahu also wanted to capture the king’s crown and place it on his head, but the crown was too big and did not fit his head.
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Dovid Hamelech told them to ride Shlomo until the spring near Yerushalayim. This was a sign that, just like the waters of this spring flow peacefully and slowly, so too,
“My master, the king!” Nosson began. “Have “The mule is a symbol of peace, tranquility you said, ‘Adoniyahu will rule after me and and tolerance – unlike the horse which is sit on my chair’? used during wars. The mule will be a sign that there will be peace for the Yidden during Shlomo’s rule.” “Adoniyahu is acting as though the king has given him the kingdom. He is sitting with the king’s sons, the army general, and Evyasar HaKohen. They are eating and drinking and proclaiming, ‘Long live the king Adoniyahu!’” When Dovid Hamelech realized that the time of Shlomo’s kingdom will be calm Adoniyahu was rebelling against him, he felt and peaceful. his body fill with strength in order to be able The Kohen and the Navi were to anoint to spoil Adoniyahu’s plan. “Please summon Shlomo near the spring. Then a shofar will Batsheva,” he said. be blown and they will call out: “Long live Batsheva returned to the room. The king told the king Shlomo!” her, “I will fulfill my promise to you. I will And Shlomo will be the heir to his father, crown your son Shlomo today, and he will Dovid’s, throne. rule after me.” The Kohen wasted no time in fulfilling the “How I wish the king could live forever and king’s orders. He took the oil used to anoint Shlomo will not have to take his place,” said kings, the ‘shemen hamishcha’, and led Batsheva, and then thanked Dovid. Shlomo on the mule until they had reached
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At the same time, Adoniyahu was sitting and eating at his feast. When Yoav heard the happy cries of the Yidden and shofar’s blast, he asked in wonder, “What are those sounds?”
“Please send for Tzadok HaKohen, Nosson the spring. HaNavi and Binayahu ben Yehoyudu right At the spring, Nosson HaNavi and Tzadok away,” the king requested. He wanted to HaKohen anointed Shlomo. Then the blast anoint Shlomo to become king right away of a shofar was heard and the entire nation and the crowning of a new king must be done called out: “Long live the king Shlomo!” in the presence of the Kohen Gadol, the Navi All the people rejoiced and played their and the Sanhedrin. flutes. They were happy and eager to follow their new king Shlomo Hamelech. The three entered the king’s room and Dovid commanded, “Go with my loyal servants and ride my son Shlomo on my mule. This will be a sign that Shlomo was chosen to be the next king, since a simple person is not allowed to ride on an animal on which the king has ridden. C KNHA FR OWPTE EE N RO OV F I
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Before anyone had a chance to reply, Nosson HaNavi appeared.
“The king Dovid has crowned his son Shlomo as king,” he related to Adoniyahu. “He has ordered us to ride Shlomo on his mule, to anoint him as king, and seat him on his throne. The entire nation is celebrating and rejoicing.”
Adoniyahu’s friends, upon hearing Nosson’s words, quickly left the feast, and each went on their separate ways. They were afraid that Shlomo might kill them because they had helped Adoniyahu rebel against the king.
Adoniyahu remained alone, afraid and worried. Shlomo will surely want to kill me now for rebelling against the king! He thought.
Adoniyahu ran to the mizbe’ach and held onto it with all his strength. Shlomo can not possibly kill me here, he decided. I will stay here until he promises me that he will not harm me in any way.
But Shlomo was a man of peace. Shlomo had not planned to kill Adoniyahu at all.
“Adoniyahu will not be harmed now,” Shlomo said. “But if he will rebel against the kingdom in the future, he will be killed.”
Shlomo sent his servants to relate this to Adoniyahu and remove him from the mizbe’ach.
Adoniyahu came before the king Shlomo, bowed down to him, and accepted him as king.
Shlomo stood by his word and sent Adoniyahu home in peace.
Batsheva immediately obeyed Nosson HaNavi’s advice and entered the king’s room. “What do you want?” Dovid asked Batsheva, Shlomo’s mother. “My master, the king!” she replies. “You have promised that your son Shlomo would rule after you and sit on your throne! But your son Adoniyahu has rebelled against you! He is conducting a feast and waiting to be crowned as king. He has invited all of the king’s sons, except for Shlomo. All the Yidden are waiting to hear who the king will choose to take over the kingdom. Please inform them right away before Adoniyahu decides to kill both me and Shlomo!”
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Batsheva had not yet finished speaking when the king’s servants came in and said, “Nosson HaNavi has come to speak with the king.”
Batsheva left the room to allow the Navi to speak to the king.
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Lechem Mishnah
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he house was calm and quiet. The boys had gone to shul with Totty and Riki was at her friend’s house. Only little Leah was home with Mommy.
Mommy was sitting on the couch and davening. Leah was crawling around on the floor. She was bored and was looking for something to do. She had eaten an entire pack of Bamba and scattered the blocks all over the floor. She was ready for something else. Leah held onto her mother’s lap and stood up. She spotted the colorful flowers in the vase at the center of the beautifully set Shabbos table. Then she noticed the flickering candles and her eyes opened wide in surprise. Leah crawled over to the table. She reached her Totty’s chair first. She held onto it and stood up. The fresh challos were sticking out from under the challah cover. Leah was curious. She tugged at the challah cover and… whoops! A golden challah fell onto her father’s chair. Leah was delighted. She clapped her hands. Then she picked up the challah.
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“Hmmm, it looks yummy,” she thought. “I wonder what it tastes
TM SA F RE TS MPlike.” -S LE E HA R BB OF OS
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TM SA F TS MP RE -S LE E HA R BB OF OS
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The Ahavas Yisrael of
The Ahavas Yisrael of “The Great Eagle”
“The Great Eagle”
The Ahavas Yisrael
I
of “The Great Eagle”
n the city of Frank furt there lived a great and holy tzaddik named Reb Nosson Adler, know n to all as the “The Great Eagle .”
Reb Nosson was a great Torah schol ar and also very wealthy. His right eous wife ran their business while he studied Torah day and night. One of Reb Nosson’s many wonderful traits ahavas Yisrael. Reb was that of Nosson truly loved and cared about all his fellow Jews. He participated in the joys and sorrows of every member of Klal Yisrael. Once, Reb Nosson was invited to act as sandak (te person who holds the baby on his knees) at a bris milah in a smal village quite some l distance from Frank furt. Reb Nosson hired a wagon driver and journey before dawn set out on the in order to arrive at the village in time for the bris. Winter was drawing to an end, and the fallen over the previ snow that had ous few weeks were beginning to melt, creating little river s of water that made the roads very wet and muddy.
The Ahavas Yisrael of “The Great Eagle”
I
n the city of Frankfurt there lived a great and holy tzaddik named Reb Nosson Adler, known to all as the “The Great Eagle.”
Reb Nosson was a great Torah scholar and also very wealthy. His righteous wife ran their business while he studied Torah day and night. One of Reb Nosson’s many wonderful traits was that of ahavas Yisrael. Reb Nosson truly loved and cared about all his fellow Jews. He participated in the joys and sorrows of every member of Klal Yisrael. Once, Reb Nosson was invited to act as sandak (te person who holds the baby on his knees) at a bris milah in a small village quite some distance from Frankfurt. Reb Nosson hired a wagon driver and set out on the journey before dawn in order to arrive at the village in time for the bris. Winter was drawing to an end, and the snow that had fallen over the previous few weeks were beginning to melt, creating little rivers of water that made the roads very wet and muddy.
BE S DT AM FR IM PL EE E ER ST O OR F IE S
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8
The Ahavas Yisrael of “The Great Eagle”
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The journey was not easy. The wagon driver had to work hard to steer the horses and wagon through the mud in the dark and cold. A chill wind blew in his face. Suddenly, the horses stopped short. They were up to their knees in a mud puddle! The wagon driver tugged at the reins and tried to make the horses keep going, but they refused to move. Seeing that he had no choice, the wagon driver stepped down from the wagon to help the horses. Crouching down, he dug the horses’ legs out of the mud and helped them walk until they reached level ground again. Only then did the wagon driver clamber back into his seat and pick up the reins once more. The wagon driver’s feet and legs were covered with mud and his shoes were filled with water. In the chilly pre-dawn weather, his feet nearly froze in his wet shoes. The driver removed his shoes and continued driving with bare feet. Suddenly, he felt a tender touch on his shoulder. He turned around in wonder: who was touching him so warmly? 9
8
The Ahavas Yisrael of “The
Great Eagle”
work The wagon driver had to The journey was not easy. mud in the and wagon through the hard to steer the horses in his face. Suddenly, the blew wind chill A dark and cold. a mud were up to their knees in horses stopped short. They tried to tugged at the reins and puddle! The wagon driver but they refused to move. make the horses keep going, d , the wagon driver steppe Seeing that he had no choice ing down, help the horses. Crouch down from the wagon to them out of the mud and helped he dug the horses’ legs did then Only again. level ground walk until they reached up the r back into his seat and pick the wagon driver clambe
With a smile, Reb Nosson extended a pair of dry shoes to the driver. “Please, put on these shoes so that you don’t catch cold, G-d forbid.” BE S DT AM FR IM PL EE E ER ST O OR F IE S
reins once more. mud and legs were covered with The wagon driver’s feet pre-dawn with water. In the chilly and his shoes were filled The driver froze in his wet shoes. weather, his feet nearly feet. ued driving with bare removed his shoes and contin turned touch on his shoulder. He Suddenly, he felt a tender y? was touching him so warml around in wonder: who pair of dry shoes a ed extend n Nosso With a smile, Reb don’t on these shoes so that you to the driver. “Please, put catch cold, G-d forbid.”
PARSHA OF THE WEEK For Children
The Parshios of the Torah are skillfully and entertainingly presented in this extraordinary 5 volume series that teaches older children all about the Parsha and its related mitzvos. This distinctive, eagerly anticipated series was created to provide children ages 8 and up with an unparalleled understanding and insight into the Parsha; allowing them to appreciate the Torah’s special meaning and message on a whole new level.
KNOW NAVI
This brand new series, comprised of 3 volumes, presents remarkable stories from Navi that will enchant all children. The books educate and inspire, as they inculcate knowledge and middos. The storytelling style is enhanced with striking illustrations and delightful narratives, offering an intriguing window into the history of K’lal Yisroel. These fascinating stories will captivate your students, and spark a life-long love of Nach.
THE JEWISH YEAR For Children
This expertly crafted series, specially designed for children ages 7 and up, is packed with wonderfully charming stories and Medrashim about the Yomim Tovim. Dramatic art and richly detailed descriptions teach the holidays through storytelling, engendering a greater interest and appreciation for the holy days of the year, and their significance.
BEDTIME STORIES
These beautifully illustrated books bring timeless stories to life as they instill middos and values, and encourage good deeds. With captivating artwork and fascinating, yet easy to understand descriptions, the books tell tale after tale; educating as they delight. The invaluable life lessons will be read over and over – and will help mold their characters. The impact will last forever!
ETERNAL LIGHT SERIES
Your son, the little tzaddik, is the focus of this special series. Exhilarating stories about our many wonderful tzaddikim and extraordinary Torah leaders will inspire your child to learn from their exceptional middos. Expert writing and stunning illustrations immerse your child in the story and teach many valuable lessons that will be with them for life. Each of the 64 volumes focuses on one specific gadol, enabling your child to gain understanding of what makes a true role model, while paving the way for them to want to follow in their footsteps and become a gadol as well.
pain. “We must cried the Rav in visible “But he’s a Yid!” are not shomer Yid, even those who help each and every ally take care of him!” mitzvos. I will person ah to his home the gabbaei tzeddak ned summo Rav The at once. and they came over explained. is very ill,” the Rav to send him “A Yid of this village the money needed “I'd like you to collect of the matter Please take care to the mountains. immediately!”
* knew that everyone in the village important It wasn’t long before ing money for a very Rav Moshe was collect us donations quick to make genero cause. People were was. It made person sick the who the although they didn't himself was raising Rav the if them; no difference to very important! been for someone money, it must have to send the the entire sum needed Rav Moshe It wasn’t long before was collected. But ains mount to help sick man sick man to He went to visit the didn't stop there. accompanied him journey and even him prepare for the for part of the way.
ENJOY OUR NEWEST CLASSICS Written by the well known Rabbi Hopkowitz, this latest addition to our highly popular “Know Navi” series, uses Medrashim & Chazal to bring the Navi to life like never before.
Ages 7 and up
If you loved the master storytellers & artists of Tell Me the Story of the “Parsha” & “Months” series, this new volume on Shabbos is “required reading” for every Jewish home!
Available in Yiddish & English Ages 4 and up
Parents can sleep soundly knowing their children are enjoying these amazing stories and learning about Mitzvos, Midos & more!
Available in Yiddish & English Ages 7 and up
This new volume’s engaging style and vivid illustrations brings the Chanuka story to life, and proves that virtually no child is too young to know one of the most inspiring stories of the Klal Yisroel.
Available in Yiddish & English Ages 2 and up
Make Tell Me the Story a part of your classroom. It’s magnificent! It’s fun! It brings your lessons to life!
Available Wherever Better Jewish Books Are Sold For wholesale please call: In the US: English-Alef to Tav 718-435-4545 Yiddish- 718-438-8811 In Israel: 052-762-4840 In Europe: Lehmanns 191-430-0333