Overview
Zayde Mendel is determined to bake shmurah matzah, even though it’s during the World War II and there’s no wheat for sale. His clever and loyal wife, Bubba Hinda, is just as determined. Together, this extraordinary couple proves that “With Hashem’s help, anything is possible!”
This story is based on true events in the lives of Zayde Mendel and Bubbe Hinda Deitsch, real people who lived the former Soviet Union not very long ago. In 1941, they left almost everything behind to escape the war by traveling east to Samarkand, later settling in Tashkent. Even in the most difficult circumstances, they devoted their lives to learning Torah, performing mitzvos, and helping others.
Although Bubbe Hinda did barter for wheat during hard times, the events and conversations in this story are fictional.
Their granddaughter, Rochel Sandman, is the author of two other books about her grandparents, entitled, As Big as an Egg and Perfect Porridge. The author lives in Connecticut with her family.
A glossary of unfamiliar words is included in the book.
Anything is Possible
by Rochel Sandman illustrated by Chana Zakashansky-Zverev.
ISBN: 978-1-945560-77-4 / LCCN: 2023943396
Hardcover / 32 pages / Ages 4-8 / List Price $12.95
Publication Date; March 2024
Author Information
About the Author:
Rochel Sandman majored in English at a Connecticut university and has written articles and newsletters for various non-profit organizations. She continues to be an active member of Jewish charity groups in her area. The author is presently collecting and recording family stories as a legacy for her children and grandchildren. Many of these tales were originally told to her by her grandmother, Bubbe Hinda Deitsch, ob”m. Anything is Possible is the third book Rochel has written for Hachai Publishing.
Illustrator Information
About the Artist:
Chana Zakashansky-Zverev, a young award-winning illustrator, was born in Kiev, Ukraine. She graduated from the University of Fine Arts in Kiev with a Master’s Degree in graphics and illustration. Chana, also illustrated the author’s other books As Big as an Egg and Perfect Porridge. Since 1992, she has lived in Brooklyn, NY with her family.
