It was great to see you at CAJE!
August 19, 2008 Behrman House News No CommentsClick to see photos from CAJE
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Deconstructing theater, understanding books
July 24, 2008 Behrman House News No Comments
When I go to a play, I see the play as a whole. Maybe I like it, maybe not; if I?m lucky it has intellectual content that I can think about, and perhaps bring to bear on my own life. Sometimes I?m struck by the music, maybe by the set, but I almost never understand all the pieces that make up the production.
Until now.
We went to visit our son Joel this weekend; he?s in the middle of a 6-week intensive drama program in
The parents? program was remarkable. It wasn?t one of those grande finale presentations intended to wow us with a glitzy performance. Instead, in about two hours, the school took us through all the classes these budding high school dramatists are taking. Movement (how to communicate with another member of the ensemble using the body.) Speech (not just pronunciation?also dialects and that sort of thing.) Jazz dance (How to move what seemed like each individual part of your body completely independently of the rest of your body). Singing. Stage arrangement. Etc. What they did for us?we amateurs?was to deconstruct a production, showing us all the pieces and parts that get assembled into the whole. What before had appeared to me as either good or bad, I like it or I don?t like it, engaging or boring, is now to me a mosaic?the sum of a series of parts that work together to form a final production.
It was an eye opener.
So I?m sitting here at my desk thinking that we do the same thing at Behrman House. Yet I?m not sure we ever share that with you?share with you the full range of what we do when we make a book. Strike that. I?m actually quite sure that we don?t share it with you. And I?d like to change that, because we do a lot of interesting and fun things here. You, who trust us enough to use our books with your students, are entitled to know what they are. I think you?ll enjoy it, and I think it will help you understand and evaluate our books more effectively.
So what would I want you to know? A lot, for while the user of a well-made textbook will have a single experience just I do me at the theater, the book itself is much like carefully choreographed dance, with each dancer playing a role, interacting with other members of the troupe.
I?d like you to know about the author. His or her background and experience. How we choose the manuscript, and the author, from among the most talented people and best manuscripts we can find, both within our educational community, and in the broader Jewish community as well.
There are the photographs. Did you know we have a photo library of 14,000 images, one that is growing all the time? And did you know that when we can?t find just the right image to convey an idea, keeping in mind that the book might be a 2nd grade holiday book, or a 9th grade history text, we might commission a photo shoot, or purchase a stock photo from an agency? Whatever we do, the imagery in our books is key to creating an engaging learning experience for the children.
Imagery brings me to illustrations. We don?t have any artists on staff. (We practically require our editors not to be able to draw.) We want to hire just the right artist, with the right taste and style, look and feel, for the subject matter and the age level of the book he or she is illustrating. Then we give the artist lots of direction, we look at pencil sketches, revised sketches, color palettes, and preliminary drawings before moving on to the final art.
The activities. Activity writing is also an art. Not every author can do it. So we bring in a specialist for almost every book. And our editorial staff is among the best in the business at crafting engaging, thought-provoking activities.
Design is key as well. I hope you?ve noticed that there is no Behrman House style. We want each book to look and feel different (except, of course, for a series). It needs to fit the age group, and the subject matter. And the children should have a unique visual experience when they open a Behrman House book. So we contract with outside designers, again the best in the business, to give our books a modern look and feel that will draw kids in.
Fact checking. I can?t tell you how many times we read and re-read a manuscript, then copyedit it, then proofread it. Our staff is thorough. Very, very thorough. Once in a while something slips through, but it?s very rare. A few years ago, the emails flew fast and furious between
That?s just a small slice of what we do. I hope we can begin a conversation so that you can see what goes into our books. If there?s something you?d like to know about, just drop me a note at david @ behrmanhouse.com. I?ll look forward to hearing from you and sharing with you some of what happens in our house.
David
Amazing Interns
July 2, 2008 Behrman House News No CommentsIt was fun to read Sunny Yudkoff’s farewell blog last week. It reminded me of all the terrific things she’s done since she first came on board as an intern four years ago and then later joined our staff. It was sad to read the blog because we’re sorry to lose Sunny, even if it’s to a Ph.D. program in Yiddish Literature at Harvard. And it reminded me of the integral part our internship program has come to play at Behrman House.
Since we started the program, we’ve been blessed with some wonderful college students who have enriched our work and our lives, and have helped bring engaging books and other materials into Jewish schools. Sunny was with us for two summers, then after obtaining a Masters degree at Oxford, joined our full-time staff until last week, when she left to return to academia.
Vardit Haimi-Cohen was our very first intern (at the time we weren’t even sure we’d have enough for her to do!); after graduation she crossed the Ivy League tracks, graduating from Yale to work in the Harvard Library’s Judaica Division. And we still keep in touch. In fact, Vardit will be the voice of Rahel in software that we will release in about a year.
Sam Weinreich, who like Sunny spent two summers with us, will finish at Williams this coming year, studying Classics (and Sanskrit). Lisa Bonnifield has graduated from Duke (with high honors, I’ll have you know!); she’s working with economically disadvantaged kids through the Teach for America program. And as I write this, Carrie Klapper is busily at work on our photo library of 14,000 images, doing photo research for upcoming early childhood materials and ensuring that we can continuing to include the most engaging and professional images in our books. Carrie will go back to the University of Pennsylvania in the Fall, and if experience is any guide we may continue to see the benefits of her talents for some time to come.
So why do I write this? It’s of course sad when someone who has become part of our family leaves us, and I write to acknowledge that and give testimony to Sunny’s particular talent and contribution. She’s a remarkable individual and deserves nothing less. And I also write to celebrate the strength of the program, and acknowledge all that it brings to us and to the educators we serve. We’ve come to count on this annual infusion of youth and imagination; we know that the program will continue to be important to us, to the work we do, and to our interns themselves.
And lastly, I write to say to you that when next summer grows a bit nearer (yes, it’s far away, though there’s no harm in planning), if you know of a talented college student who would like to make a tangible contribution to Jewish education, and learn about publishing in a hands-on environment, you know who to call.
Reflectively,
David
So Long, Farewell!
June 19, 2008 Behrman House News No Comments
Behrman House has fed me well.
From my first summer as an intern in 2004 to this year as an editor, I?m pretty sure that I have eaten 25+ meals on Behrman House?s tab?not to mention the countless number of ice cream cones, slices of chocolate cake, and donuts that make their way into the kitchen. (For those who don?t know, the Behrman House customer support and editorial staff are self-identified foodies. And, Behrman House generously supports our cause).
This Friday marks my official transition from Behrman House editor to full-time graduate student in the field of Yiddish literature. On Sunday, I?ll be flying to Tel Aviv to take part in a ten-day Yiddish research seminar for beginning graduate students hosted by the Goldreich Institute for Yiddish Language, Literature, and Culture at Tel Aviv University. Come fall, I?ll be starting my doctoral courses at Harvard where I?ll be studying under Professor Ruth Wisse (who also happens to be a Behrman House author).
Before I head out, I want to say thank you to Behrman House for providing me with all types of sustenance?both literal and professional. Whether working on early childhood material for the Look at Me series, writing activities for the Teach Me Torah Teaching Guide (coming July 15th!), or crafting ?In the Classroom? techniques (check out 5 Ideas for a Tasty and Terrific Tu B?Shevat), I?ve come to rely on the constructive comments, thoughtful feedback, and open ears of my colleagues. I will miss them.
Have a wonderful summer,
Sunny
Why the Israeli Secret Service Has My Business Card
May 30, 2008 Behrman House News No Comments
Everyone knows it’s unwise to take photos of the Israeli Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem. But who knew that taking a photo of an apartment building diagonally across the street could get you into trouble with the Israeli Secret Service. Not me.
There I was in Israel last week, camera in hand, capturing a shot that I thought had potential for use in our books: an Israeli flag draped over a balcony, covered in laundry. I was already planning the caption: “Who needs a flag when you don’t have clean socks?”—or something like that.
The Israeli Secret Service didn’t like it. Two polite young men in dark glasses questioned me for 15 minutes about why I was taking the photo. Didn’t I know that the Rosh Hamemshalah lived across the street? Why was I in Israel? Where was I staying? For how long? Why was I interested in this particular building?
Talking into their sleeves, they called in my passport number. They had me click through every photo I’d taken in Israel—on two cameras (we’re talking hundreds of photos).
I tried to explain what I do for a living and why I was taking the photo and that I’m a good citizen but it was only when I gave them my business card (see, I’m official!) that they wished me, “Have a nice day,” and sent me on my way. Although they didn’t make me delete the photo, I’ve decided it’s not good enough to include in a book. But on a blog, hey, it’s just fine.
My Yom Ha’atzma’ut Routine
May 8, 2008 Behrman House News No Comments
Yom Ha’atzma’ut (Israel Independence Day) provokes many emotions for me. I am astonished by
For the past 10 years I have a Yom Ha’atzma’ut routine. I reflect on how great it is to be an American Jew. I ponder if there has ever been a better time and place to live as a Jew. And then, I try to understand how this became so.
My thoughts quickly turn to my Aba. I think, “
My father Joseph A. Poisson was born in Berlin,
Growing up we never heard the war stories from my Aba, but about ten years ago, he wrote his life story up until the age of 18. He wrote it for his mishpachah (family) and he titled it Lev el Lev (From Heart to Heart.) I would like to share two excerpts from my Aba’s life in 1948, which have become part of my Israel Independence Day ritual readings.
The Conquest of an Arab Village: Yehudiye
Yehudiye was situated not far from the city of Lod, near the Ben Gurion airport. On May 3rd, 1948, I received orders to go out to battle in Yehudiye. The next day we had to report at 6.00 A.M. at our meeting place. Read more.
From the Seder to Jaffa
It was the eve of Pesach, the Seder. Our family was seated around the table, on the Seder-night of 1948, the Festival of unleavened bread and of freedom. We recited Kiddush; we thanked the Lord who has chosen us from all peoples and has raised us high above all nations and has made us holy by His commandments…Read more.
Two Anniversaries and a Birthday
May 2, 2008 Behrman House News No Comments
At Behrman House we look for any reason to have lunch. Yesterday we had a triple reason: Debbie Shai from our customer support team turned the big FIVE-O (she gave me permission to tell!); Vicki Weber, editor and creator of the just-published Teach Me Torah, celebrated her 5th anniversary working here, and Gila Gevirtz, Executive Editor and author of the brand-new Jewish History: The Big Picture, hit ten successful
and productive years with the firm.
Excellent Thai cuisine, warm speeches, and the BEST chocolate and vanilla cupcakes!
Enjoy photos from the event.
Involving Young Children in the Passover Seder
April 11, 2008 Behrman House News No Comments
Below you’ll find six activities to help enrich the experience of three- to six-year-olds at the seder table by engaging them and keeping them entertained. Enjoy!
1. I Spy: Throughout the seder, we point to Passover foods and ritual objects before discussing their significance. Transform this process of identification into an enrichment activity with a game such as “I Spy.”
For example, when the seder leader introduces the seder plate, announce to young children, “I spy something round on the table” or “I spy a plate that has parsley and maror on it.” You might play this game with a variety of items, such as matzah, haroset, a haggadah, or Elijah’s and Miriam’s cups. Feel free to personalize the activity, for example, “I spy something squishy and soft that Grandma Barbara gave to you” (answer: a pillow).
2. “Lotsa’ Matzah”: Before the Seder begins, tell young children that they have a seder mission: to count the number of times the word “matzah” is said and to call out “lotsa matzah” each time the word is mentioned. This assignment will help young children stay engaged throughout the length of the seder and add a bit of fun to a matzah-filled meal.
3. Mini-Seder Chorus: Before the seder, teach young children the words or tune to one of the Passover songs, such as “Dayeinu.” Then, encourage children to sing along during the seder. Children also may have learned playful songs in a Jewish pre-school or kindergarten, for example, “Frogs Were Jumping Everywhere” or “Let My People Go.” For the music and lyrics to these songs, visit www.totshabbat.com.
4. Plague Plaques: During the reading of the ten plagues, distribute 10 home-made signs to the children, each with the name and picture of a plague (alternatively, distribute “Plague Finger Puppets” that can be purchased at local Judaica stores). As the leader reads off the plagues, involve the children in the seder by having them stand and hold up their signs.
5. Seder Helpers: Enlist young children to help serve as Seder Helpers. Create name tags for them that list their new titles. For example, they might help bring the seder leader a towel to dry his or her hands during the Rachtzah section of the seder (the washing of the hands). The Seder Helpers might also help distribute matzah before the Motzi Matzah section in which a blessing is said over the matzah.
6. Another Four Questions: After the Four Questions are read or sung, ask young children to pose their own set of Four Questions. Encourage them to be creative. Some sample questions you might suggest include: How was Miriam a heroine? How would you have felt living in Egypt? What is your favorite part of the seder (aside from the meal!)? If the children are too young to pose their own questions, consider asking these questions yourself and give them the opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas.
We hope that these activities will allow even the youngest seder participants to learn from the seder rituals, have fun with their families, and look forward to next year’s celebration! Chag sameach
Having Fun With It
March 27, 2008 Behrman House News No Comments
Hi, my name is Dena Neusner, and I’m new here at Behrman House. I’ve been an editor for more than 16 years, having started out at Puffin Books (a division of the Penguin Group) in New York City, where I discovered a basic truth about editing children’s books—you get to fill your office with toys.
Most recently I worked at Parachute Publishing, a small company where I somehow became an expert on farm machines. I added toy tractors to my office collection.
A big part of editing for children is just plain having fun with it, whatever the subject matter. I love diving into a topic and absorbing it from a kid’s perspective. With my kid hat on, I can help guide a manuscript so that it will engage the reader while it teaches them something important.
I’ve always been interested in education, from my tutoring experience in an adult literacy program, to my work on beginning reader books, workbooks, and nonfiction books, to my involvement in the Jewish learning of my own kids. I’m excited to be here at Behrman House, where I can immerse myself in subject matter that’s meaningful to me.
I’ve written a number of books for very young children, including a few books about tractors. I also spend a lot of time reading children’s books for professional development, but I have to admit I love it too much to call it work.
I’m having fun with it.
Purim, Yiddish, and You
March 4, 2008 Behrman House News No CommentsWhen I’m not wearing my Behrman House Editor hat, I like to masquerade as a Yiddish literature graduate student. Much of the work I do at Behrman House lets me indulge in my academic interest. The History of the Jewish People, Volume 2 is filled with fascinating stories and facts about the history of Yiddish. Want to learn about the great Yiddish author Sholem-Aleichem? He’s the star of page six. Want to learn how to spell “Iowa” in Yiddish? Just turn to the Yiddish map of the USA on page seventeen.
In preparation for Purim, I’d like to share an interesting bit of Yiddish trivia with you. Every year at Purim, we celebrate the holiday by performing a Purim shpiel—a silly, funny, and sometimes satiric Purim play. Shpiel is a Yiddish word of Germanic origin meaning “play” or “skit.”
Yiddish scholars and historians have spent a great many years (and pages) researching the origin of this holiday spectacle. Some scholars trace the first Purim shpieln (plural) to the 13th and 14th centuries in what is now Germany. In that period, Jewish people would celebrate Purim by reciting silly, rhyming monologues about the holiday or other biblical texts. Later in the 15th century, Purim shpieln were performed in private residences by local yeshivah boys—a sort of live, Jewish home entertainment system.
By the mid-17th century, the Purim shpiel was back in a public setting, such as the shtetl study house. At this point in time, the Purim shpiel had developed a tradition of interspersing the Purim story with contemporary social commentary. Local jokes and local flavor were added to productions—a tradition we see in today’s Purim shpieln that mock local politicians or parody current pop songs.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Yiddish authors and dramatists crafted their own Purim plays. Many of these productions, performed by professional actors, were lauded as both hysterical and unflinchingly irreverent. Scholars of 20th century Yiddish theater often identify the predecessor of modern Yiddish drama as the traditional Purim shpiel.
This year, during your Purim shpiel, when you hear a performer pronounce the inevitable “Oy vey!,” I hope you remember the Yiddish past of the Purim shpiel. Have a Happy Purim, or, as they say in Yiddish, have a “freylikhen Purim!” poker spiel fr pctexas holdem poker setgratis internet pokergratis poker,poker game gratis,video poker gratisparadise poker bonus codepoker regeln straßetexas holdem online,texas holdem online flash,texas holdem online gamebwin poker bonuspoker gratis vollversionpoker regeln no limitpoker texanogiochi 7 card stud inlinea,play 7 card stud,7 card studplay poker onlinegiocare poker gratisgiochi seven card stud gratispoker slot gratispoker online flashdownload gioco pokerdd tournament poker 2.0strip poker gamepoker tournament,poker tournament software,dd tournament pokergiochi texas holdem online,texas holdem online,texas holdem poker onlinegioco poker freewarecasino texas holdembetandwin pokergioca poker onlinestrip poker online,strip poker game online,strip poker online gratispoker tour gamegiochi on linedownload giochiplay omaha poker onlinescarica gioco poker gratisgiochare omaha poker in lineatexas holdem flashdownload gioco poker gratisgiochi pc pokertornei poker gratisnoble pokerparty poker,party poker bonus,party poker italiagiocare a poker on linetornei poker on linecarte giocostreet poker gratisstrategia pokerlive poker 3dfull tilt pokerplay wize pokerscaricare gioco pokerpoker regole di giocopoker gioco pc,gioco poker,istruzioni gioco poker