Nancy Reuben Greenfield's Blog
December 4, 2015
Torah Translation vs Adaptation
The first five books of the Bible are known as Torah (Instruction). Each original Torah is hand written on a scroll in Hebrew and without vowels.
So just adding vowels is a big deal when it comes to translation. In English think of BD --- add vowels and get Bed, Bad, Bid, Abode, Abide etc.
My "Tiptoe Through Genesis" adaptation uses words that come from different English translation. It does not go word for word like a translation but rather condenses time passages and details. This means my adaptation is another generation from translation.
Nonetheless, this allows me to essentially highlight the most powerful and poetic aspects of the text.
Want to see what I left in and took out? Just use the biblical notation provided on each page.
Experience this adaptation and you will easily see how timeless the Book of Genesis really is!
So just adding vowels is a big deal when it comes to translation. In English think of BD --- add vowels and get Bed, Bad, Bid, Abode, Abide etc.
My "Tiptoe Through Genesis" adaptation uses words that come from different English translation. It does not go word for word like a translation but rather condenses time passages and details. This means my adaptation is another generation from translation.
Nonetheless, this allows me to essentially highlight the most powerful and poetic aspects of the text.
Want to see what I left in and took out? Just use the biblical notation provided on each page.
Experience this adaptation and you will easily see how timeless the Book of Genesis really is!
November 20, 2015
Why I Chose To Adapt Genesis
There is a fence around the five books of Moses (the Torah) to preserve its purity. This is why there are translations of Genesis and commentaries and books about it.
I chose to adapt Genesis so it would be easy for readers to experience the original text and feel its power and poetry.
To keep it simple, details of lineage and journey that can slow down the pace have been condensed. Since names and relationships can be confusing, text has been added in brackets for clarification and continuity. For authenticity and comparison, all passages follow traditional biblical notation.
To interact with the text as sages have done for centuries, I have added two questions.
There is a reason why Genesis is the beloved first book of the Bible. I chose to adapt it so readers from all religions and backgrounds can discover and rediscover this biblical treasure.
Tiptoe Through Genesis
I chose to adapt Genesis so it would be easy for readers to experience the original text and feel its power and poetry.
To keep it simple, details of lineage and journey that can slow down the pace have been condensed. Since names and relationships can be confusing, text has been added in brackets for clarification and continuity. For authenticity and comparison, all passages follow traditional biblical notation.
To interact with the text as sages have done for centuries, I have added two questions.
There is a reason why Genesis is the beloved first book of the Bible. I chose to adapt it so readers from all religions and backgrounds can discover and rediscover this biblical treasure.
Tiptoe Through Genesis
July 17, 2013
The Blessings Of A Fast Read
Sometimes you just need a break from literature. You want something faster, a page turner. You want a book that you have trouble putting down.
By that definition, The Golden Medina passes the test. A handful of people have read it in a day or two. More than a few have reread it and, interestingly, three people had significant personal breakthroughs while reading it.
The first was a physics professor who had been sick for months. He had mounds of reading for work but not enough concentration. He picked up his wife's copy of The Golden Medina. By the fifth chapter he was up and ready to tackle some of his pressing reading for work.
The second was a neighbor of mine who struggles with bi-polar and depression thought she couldn't read anymore. She only tried to read The Golden Medina because she is my friend and wanted to be supportive. She was shocked at how easy it was to read and how much she had enjoyed reading for pleasure again.
The third was me, back when I was thirteen and read the first draft. Up until then I really didn't have any conception of my father as a creative person, much less a writer. I could barely get him to write me excuses for school. Then I read book and realized my father had talent and depth. It enabled us to augment our communication and enabled us to converse about ideas.
These are some of the breakthroughs and blessings from this fast,engaging unpredictable book.
By that definition, The Golden Medina passes the test. A handful of people have read it in a day or two. More than a few have reread it and, interestingly, three people had significant personal breakthroughs while reading it.
The first was a physics professor who had been sick for months. He had mounds of reading for work but not enough concentration. He picked up his wife's copy of The Golden Medina. By the fifth chapter he was up and ready to tackle some of his pressing reading for work.
The second was a neighbor of mine who struggles with bi-polar and depression thought she couldn't read anymore. She only tried to read The Golden Medina because she is my friend and wanted to be supportive. She was shocked at how easy it was to read and how much she had enjoyed reading for pleasure again.
The third was me, back when I was thirteen and read the first draft. Up until then I really didn't have any conception of my father as a creative person, much less a writer. I could barely get him to write me excuses for school. Then I read book and realized my father had talent and depth. It enabled us to augment our communication and enabled us to converse about ideas.
These are some of the breakthroughs and blessings from this fast,engaging unpredictable book.
June 10, 2013
Two Minute Book Pitch
My two minute author presentation to the Jewish Book Council in NYC on June 4th before community decision makers who pick speakers for their book events.
How do you define a miracle? Is it really in the eyes of the beholder?
If so, today feels like a miracle to me.
I stand before you as my father's daughter. It was his book, The Golden Medina. I was just his 13 year old editor.
His book is about a pious Russian Jewish family leaving the shtetl for a better life in 1914 America. His book is about power and the action-packed early days of the Italian American mafia.
I was 27 when dad got sick but I promised him before he died that I would finish the book and get it published.
Now trust me - I am 52 now and that was no straight line. I knew I had to make major changes if it was going to be a real novel. That alone took decades.
And life continued. My husband and I were blessed with two wonderful children but we also had some tragedies. It all took its toll.
One night I turned to the Torah for comfort and it soothed me and later inspired me to use my talents to adapt the Torah for different audiences. You may have read my weekly summaries on MyJewishLearning.com.
During these years I also got breast cancer--- twice. After my second breast cancer I knew it was time to fulfill my promise to my father.
My dad's book, The Golden Medina has always been fast-paced with many layers. Women love the warm Jewish family saga. Men love the intense Italian gangster action and they both love how it turns into an unlikely coming of age story.
This book has changed these past 40 years and it has remained the same. Here (raise fake glass) is to you dad, to The Golden Medina, the JBC. To God, To life. L'çhayim.Nancy Reuben Greenfield
How do you define a miracle? Is it really in the eyes of the beholder?
If so, today feels like a miracle to me.
I stand before you as my father's daughter. It was his book, The Golden Medina. I was just his 13 year old editor.
His book is about a pious Russian Jewish family leaving the shtetl for a better life in 1914 America. His book is about power and the action-packed early days of the Italian American mafia.
I was 27 when dad got sick but I promised him before he died that I would finish the book and get it published.
Now trust me - I am 52 now and that was no straight line. I knew I had to make major changes if it was going to be a real novel. That alone took decades.
And life continued. My husband and I were blessed with two wonderful children but we also had some tragedies. It all took its toll.
One night I turned to the Torah for comfort and it soothed me and later inspired me to use my talents to adapt the Torah for different audiences. You may have read my weekly summaries on MyJewishLearning.com.
During these years I also got breast cancer--- twice. After my second breast cancer I knew it was time to fulfill my promise to my father.
My dad's book, The Golden Medina has always been fast-paced with many layers. Women love the warm Jewish family saga. Men love the intense Italian gangster action and they both love how it turns into an unlikely coming of age story.
This book has changed these past 40 years and it has remained the same. Here (raise fake glass) is to you dad, to The Golden Medina, the JBC. To God, To life. L'çhayim.Nancy Reuben Greenfield
May 1, 2013
Genre Buster
It has been difficult to define the proper genre for my father's book since the beginning. Of course, "Bestseller", is our top choice!
Clearly The Golden Medina is historical fiction. Even though the Grodsky family and some of the gangster characters are fictional, the time period of 1914 America is historically accurate with its crowded tenements of Lower East Side New York City along with early Italian American mafia history.
It is also a coming of age story and a great read for adolescents. Because there is the pitting of the pre-teen Jewish genius against an ambitious Italian streetwise teenager, the plot very much asks the reader, "What does it mean to be an adult?"
For sure it is a Jewish family saga. This is the quintessential heartwarming story of an impoverished Russian Jewish immigrant family whose faith and strength are tested on American soil.
It could also be considered a philosophical journey exploring good and evil, fate and destiny.
It is not a romance, nor a mystery but it is both suspenseful and loving relationships abound.
In the old days we would just call it "mass market" paperback for anyone who likes a great read and dares to try a debut novel.
Clearly The Golden Medina is historical fiction. Even though the Grodsky family and some of the gangster characters are fictional, the time period of 1914 America is historically accurate with its crowded tenements of Lower East Side New York City along with early Italian American mafia history.
It is also a coming of age story and a great read for adolescents. Because there is the pitting of the pre-teen Jewish genius against an ambitious Italian streetwise teenager, the plot very much asks the reader, "What does it mean to be an adult?"
For sure it is a Jewish family saga. This is the quintessential heartwarming story of an impoverished Russian Jewish immigrant family whose faith and strength are tested on American soil.
It could also be considered a philosophical journey exploring good and evil, fate and destiny.
It is not a romance, nor a mystery but it is both suspenseful and loving relationships abound.
In the old days we would just call it "mass market" paperback for anyone who likes a great read and dares to try a debut novel.
April 5, 2013
When The Words Won't Flow
If you have ever experienced writer's block, you know that there is a sense of panic with each passing non-productive second. Your creative desire is so full that you feel like you are about to burst but it just isn't flowing. So here are some things that have worked for me. Let me know if it helps you.
*If you can, take a walk outside. Breath in some air. Focus on what you see on the walk rather than thinking about what you are writing. This will give your eyes something to look at and digest. You will get your blood moving. Take notice of the world around you so you can be stimulated in a variety of ways.
*Go to a show or movie or sports event or any other group activity you can find, especially book clubs! The reason I stress getting out is because writing is very solitary and typically indoors. You and your thoughts. Connecting with other people is the opposite. It forces you to get out of yourself and be with other people.
I like performance based activities especially because you are put together with so many different kinds of people and applause as a group and a crowd as an energy that you are a part of. You will come back to writing feeling good and refreshed and ready to write.
*Give it another ten minutes or do something else that makes better use of your time. Go to where the words flow, whether it be e-mail or filling in forms. Or use the time to tackle administrative issues or those few calls that have to be made or the shopping that has to be done. The writing will be there when you get back.
Above all, be gentle with yourself. Writing is a process. Every time you attempt to write you make progress in some way. Maybe you eliminate something. Maybe you tried something out. Maybe you moved closer to understanding something that will click something else into place so that you can write later when the words will flow. It's all good.
*If you can, take a walk outside. Breath in some air. Focus on what you see on the walk rather than thinking about what you are writing. This will give your eyes something to look at and digest. You will get your blood moving. Take notice of the world around you so you can be stimulated in a variety of ways.
*Go to a show or movie or sports event or any other group activity you can find, especially book clubs! The reason I stress getting out is because writing is very solitary and typically indoors. You and your thoughts. Connecting with other people is the opposite. It forces you to get out of yourself and be with other people.
I like performance based activities especially because you are put together with so many different kinds of people and applause as a group and a crowd as an energy that you are a part of. You will come back to writing feeling good and refreshed and ready to write.
*Give it another ten minutes or do something else that makes better use of your time. Go to where the words flow, whether it be e-mail or filling in forms. Or use the time to tackle administrative issues or those few calls that have to be made or the shopping that has to be done. The writing will be there when you get back.
Above all, be gentle with yourself. Writing is a process. Every time you attempt to write you make progress in some way. Maybe you eliminate something. Maybe you tried something out. Maybe you moved closer to understanding something that will click something else into place so that you can write later when the words will flow. It's all good.
March 20, 2013
Choosing Books To Read
When I was twelve, there was this little Paperback Exchange on the second floor of a rundown building in Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta. I use to go there all the time since the public library was too far and the school library too limited. I had even exhausted my sister's high school library.
I became such a fixture at this paperback exchange that the owner hired me and let me run the store.
It wasn't that busy and I could read all I wanted. As I alphabetized the books and sorted and shelved for each section, I made a pledge. I would read a book from each section and then start again. This schedule truly impacted my understanding of plot and characters, themes and climax.
Writers can truly benefit from this process but as a reader I found the variety helped me mature. It forced me to remain open-minded and grow different aspects of myself.
Sometimes I made it thematic, like a pure romance versus a mystery romance versus and true historical romance. Other times I would go for plot across science fiction, bestsellers, and classic literature. Character development changes and stays the same across these genres. It was the best "English" course I ever took.
I continue this approach today and recommend it highly!
I became such a fixture at this paperback exchange that the owner hired me and let me run the store.
It wasn't that busy and I could read all I wanted. As I alphabetized the books and sorted and shelved for each section, I made a pledge. I would read a book from each section and then start again. This schedule truly impacted my understanding of plot and characters, themes and climax.
Writers can truly benefit from this process but as a reader I found the variety helped me mature. It forced me to remain open-minded and grow different aspects of myself.
Sometimes I made it thematic, like a pure romance versus a mystery romance versus and true historical romance. Other times I would go for plot across science fiction, bestsellers, and classic literature. Character development changes and stays the same across these genres. It was the best "English" course I ever took.
I continue this approach today and recommend it highly!
March 11, 2013
On Writing Inscriptions
It is the inscriptions that are so hard for me to write in my published books.
I mean, how much do you say? Where do you write it? How neat can you make
your penmanship, and will this pen blotch up on me?
This is my novel but it is not only my words. My father was the original author and did not make it to this moment of autographing a published book.
Last week was the 25th anniversary of my father's death. A quarter of a century later, we have full lift-off.
My father was a complicated man. I still see him in so many ways, through a child's eyes. Working on this book together transformed our relationship. Even after he died, we maintained our connection through our words. Our characters kept on living.
This blog will be an exploration of all that has gone into the book, both personally and professionally. Some reflections on writing it as well its characters, plot, literary themes and contemporary parallels. Enjoy. Comment. And read the book!
I mean, how much do you say? Where do you write it? How neat can you make
your penmanship, and will this pen blotch up on me?
This is my novel but it is not only my words. My father was the original author and did not make it to this moment of autographing a published book.
Last week was the 25th anniversary of my father's death. A quarter of a century later, we have full lift-off.
My father was a complicated man. I still see him in so many ways, through a child's eyes. Working on this book together transformed our relationship. Even after he died, we maintained our connection through our words. Our characters kept on living.
This blog will be an exploration of all that has gone into the book, both personally and professionally. Some reflections on writing it as well its characters, plot, literary themes and contemporary parallels. Enjoy. Comment. And read the book!
