Liza Wiemer, author of the award-winning young adult novel The Assignment, wrote a new children’s book about the true meaning of giving and the Jewish tradition of tzedakah. Out and About: A Tale of Giving comes out on Aug. 15.
The book, which is illustrated by Margeaux Lucas, follows a young boy named Daniel who sees his parents going “out and about” with some mysterious boxes. Daniel wonders why and what’s in the boxes. He not only learns what was in the boxes, but discovers the importance of giving to those in need.
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A message in the back of the book explains tzedakah: “Tzedakah is often translated as ‘charity,’ but the most accurate definition is ‘justice’ or ‘righteousness.’ Giving tzedakah is a mitzvah, one of the commandments in the Torah, the Five Books of Moses.”
“It’s so special and important to think about these things, and how we fit in as an individual in this community,” Wiemer says. “And, you know, not everyone can necessarily give in a materialistic way, but we certainly can give in other ways, for example, by holding the door open [for someone] or smiling at another person and just saying, ‘hope you have a great day!’”
Wiemer, along with Friendship Café, Tikkun Ha-Ir and Boswell Book Company, will host a “community-wide afternoon of kindness” to launch the book. The event is at Friendship Café (8649 N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point) on Aug. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.
“What an incredible way to be able to launch a book by celebrating it with the entire community,” she says. “And not only with them, but by giving back.”
At the event, Wiemer and the organizations will collect gently-used children’s books, new school supplies and packaged snack foods. There will also be games, a photo op, art projects and readings of Wiemer’s new book by local teachers, authors and community members. The book will also be available for purchase at the event through Boswell Books.
“Bringing people together to be able to celebrate community and do acts of kindness, to me that’s absolutely amazing,” Wiemer says. “It’s a beautiful way to bring light and goodness into this world.”
