Wise Friends

Product Description Written by Jackson Mercer and designed by Rachel Jackson, "Wise Friends" tells the story of Raviv, a young boy who has learned to nurture and befriend the trees around him. The story aims to remind us of the wisdom of our sacred traditions, the wisdom of the natural world and their interconnectedness. Published for Tu Bishvat 5781, The Jewish Holiday referred to as "The Birthday of the Trees", "Wise Friends" is an expedition to a world of wonder and an adventure into perception, growth, and understanding. "The intention of Wise Friends is to turn the definition of what a 'children's book' can be on its head. Why can't children's books feature softer color palettes and art found in museums around the world rather than bright, cartoonish illustrations? Why can't children's books include millennium-old Hebrew and Aramaic wisdom teachings alongside creative and useful interpretations rather than Jewish books that lack depth of content and context? Why can't children's books be complex rather than simple?" About the Author Jackson Mercer is an Ordination Candidate at the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College in Newton, MA. He grew up at Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael, CA where he cultivated a love of Judaism, embolden with music, spirituality and justice. He served as Rosh Shira/Rosh Tefillah at URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa, CA for several years. His two newest adventures: intentional Judaica called Hiddur Mitzvah, partnering with Binah Designs to create innovative, tangible aspects of ritual. Rachel Jackson is and book artist, designer and teacher. She is an ardent feminist and passionate about craft and Judaica. She has a degree in visual art from the University of Chicago and a certificate in bookbinding from the North Bennet Street School in Boston. She lives in Cambridge, MA. You can see more of her work at www.binahdesign.com