Final Post Part 3: Mayer Aaron Levi and His Lemon Tree by Tami Lehman-Wilzig

Lehman-Wilzig, Tami. Mayer Aaron Levi and His Lemon Tree. New York:
Gefen Books, 2007.

While most Jewish stories recall the Holocaust, Lehman-Wilzig’s story is about charity. In the story a young boy explains how his Great Grandfather had a lemon tree and cared for it like it was one of his children. Year after year, the tree would produce lemons that the family would sell for extra money. One season the lemon tree was producing more lemons then ever. Mayer Aaron Levi, the owner of the tree, decided to hide the lemons outside instead of taking them into the house. He reassured his wife that the lemons would be fine. With each counting of the lemons the amount grew smaller and smaller. This upset the wife and she worried for her lemons. The lemons made a huge help in raising their four children. After two days of missing lemons, she sat outside the house, morning, noon, and night to send the thief a message. The next day was the beginning of the new moon, and Mayer Aaron Levi was away at the synagogue celebrating the new moon. When he returned home, he found his wife and their neighbors waiting for him. In the end, the neighbors wanted to thank him for letting them know about the free lemons to the needy. With the lemons they made him presents. His wife was not very happy with his idea, but he explained to her that they have plenty and it is important to share with those who are not as fortunate.

Overall, this book is a good depiction of not only Jewish literature but of morals and values, as well. The story gives the reader a sense of right and wrong and teaches how to help others in need. Coming from not only an insider author but Jerusalem as well makes this book a great find and something that came be used across topics. This book has a good sense of morals and values suitable for younger ages. However, it comes with a place at the end where students can create their own heritage story. This makes the book adaptable for all ages.