It’s the year 2448. Huda can’t seem to catch his breath. His little brothers pull at his robe, their fingers leaving dusty tracks on the fine, freshly laundered folds of wool. But Huda’s complete attention is taken by the sheer size and awesomeness of the mountain before him. This time tomorrow—his thoughts stall. He knows nothing in his imagination could live up to the real thing. He just has to wait.
Year 3803. Rivkah’s heart sings as she reaches into the pouch hanging from her sash, her thumb caressing the ridges on her silver half-shekel coin. She can’t wait! The rest of her group is way up ahead, nearly crowning the tallest hill of Har Tzion, but the shiny kid soles of her new slippers struggle to find purchase on the smooth surface of the road. “I’ll get there,” she mutters.
Fast forward to the year 5783. Yossi stands at the edge of the hill, gazing across the empty lot at the gaggle of boys talking and laughing, feeling the tingle in his legs as they try to urge him forward. But he stands rooted on the packed dirt, waiting, fingers fiddling with the secret in his pocket.
Where are they all going? In a story spanning more than 3,000 years, we follow the trails of Huda, Rivkah, Yossi, and others like them—until we journey to the time when they finally all come together.
Last Act, a fascinating new serial novel released by Tut Altz Kids, promises to be a thrilling journey for children and adults alike. Set in the times of Hakhel, Last Act follows Yossi of the modern era and Huda, Gershom, and Rivkah, children of long ago, on their adventures for a clear perspective and striking resonance of the mitzvah of Hakhel in its readers.
“To understand what Hakhel is, we need to see what it is about from a historical perspective and, as the Rebbe says, visualize the event in a way that will affect our own yiras Hashem,” explains Mrs. Pessi Stolik, Tut Altz Kids Director. “Last Act gives readers an immersive experience in this major mivtza.”
During the times of the Bais Hamikdash, Hakhel took place during the Yom Tov of Sukkos, an awe-inspiring event of every man, woman, and child of Bnei Yisrael standing together, listening to their king read the Torah. Nowadays, as we eagerly await the renewal of this great event, the Rebbe strongly encouraged the message of Hakhel for our generation—throughout the whole “year of Hakhel.”
“As the generation on the threshold of Geulah, Hakhel is more relevant and pertinent than ever,” observes Rabbi Shloimie Naparstek, director of the Moshiach Office at Merkos 302. “We are about to experience the ultimate Hakhel with all of Am Yisrael gathered in the third Bais Hamikdash, and we must eagerly anticipate it.”
Last Act brings this incredible event to life, increasing excitement and anticipation for this monumental time. Each character’s journey and self-growth in Last Act combines history and life lessons in an exciting, animated fashion. The imagery, backdrop, and daily-life experiences throughout the series educate the reader about the time of Moshiach, and the character development of Yossi, Huda, Rivkah, and Gershom as they gain new perspectives on past habits and circumstances will help readers feel what it means to live with Geulah.
Geared to readers in grades four and up, Last Act comes in eight monthly novellas throughout the year, with one chapter per week. The novellas will be accompanied by a list of “Book Club” discussion questions to highlight the Hakhel or general educational lessons in each installment.
The series was authored by Miriam Zaltzman and Feigy Meijers
The series is free! Simply go to www.tutaltz.com/hakhelkids, enter your email in the ‘Subscribe’ box, and the monthly series will automatically be sent to your inbox.
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Looks amazing!
Thank you for bringing hakhel to life for our children and ourselves.