Today is Hei Teves, a day when it is customary to buy Jewish books. And Baruch Hashem there are hundreds, even thousands, of frum Jewish children’s books available. But 70 years ago that wasn’t the case. There were few enjoyable storybooks that aligned with her Chassidic values, and so Esther Golda Shemtov decided to write her own. And that’s how Mindy Gets Her Reward came to be written.
Esther Golda Shemtov was an incredible woman. A Russian immigrant. A Shlucha with six children and no refrigerator other than the window sill. But she was committed. And so for several evenings a week, she would leave her family and travel to take English classes. The stories started taking shape. Enjoyable tales of Hashgacha Pratis. Of faith. Of purpose. Her children recall her mother at the kitchen table editing and re-editing her manuscripts, perfecting them until they were ready to be published. Renowned artist Hendel Lieberman, the author’s brother, illustrated the stories.
When her husband, the Chassid R’ Benzion Shemtov, brought a copy of the book to Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, she received it warmly. “Es is Yiddish, Chassidish, un Oisgehalten” she said “It’s Jewish, Chassidic, and recommended.”
This revised volume includes a glimpse into the author’s life. Written by her daughter Fradel Sudak, the brief biography in the appendix provides a peek into the life of Mesiras Nefesh of a Chassidic woman at the onset of Communism, a time when all forces were fighting against G-d. Discerning readers will also notice the special attention that the Rebbe gave to the Chinuch of young girls. The Rebbe sent siddurim to the DP camps specifically for the girls, and Rabbi Benzion and Esther Golda Shemtov were sent on Shlichus specifically to open a school for girls. When Lubavitch House was built, the Rebbe specified that the beautiful building should house the girls’ school whilst the boys use different premises.
Mindy Gets Her Reward is now available on Amazon.
Educator and founder of Colourful Writing Curriculum, Esther Kesselman is currently working on English lesson plans based on Mindy Gets Her Reward. She can be reached at KesselmanE@gmail.com
It’s a classic that inspires to this day. So glad that “Mindy Gets Her Reward” is available for a new generation of parents and children.
Dina Rosenfeld
She also wrote a book of plays that we used to perform for chanuka and Purim
Loved them.
One of my favourite books growing up!
Indeed, at the time, there was so little available in Kosher books.
Mindy gets her reward was one of my favourite books during my childhood. So happy it’s back!!
It’s wonderful to have a book with stories for children where you know that the author is a true role model.
Although written for children, the stories have profound messages for adults.
Particularly the last story, the fallen leaves, which was written towards the end of the author’s life.