Author to Speak About Children of the Czech Kindertransport

On Sunday, May 7, author Caren Stelson will talk about her book “Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport,” which tells the story of the 669 Jewish children rescued by Nicholas Winton in 1938-39 during the Holocaust, in the voices of the children. 

The program will run from 10 a.m.-noon at the Talmud Torah of St. Paul, 768 Hamline Ave. South in St. Paul. A social time will follow. 

Stelson will share how she learned of this story, the research involved, what her book can teach us and how to prepare for our own moments of compassionate action. The author will be joined by violinist Judith Eisner, who will perform as part of the presentation. 

Stelson is an awarding-winning Minneapolis author of children’s and young-adult books. Her book “Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story” was long-listed for a National Book Award.

Eisner is a professional violinist, composer of Klezmer music, teacher at the MacPhail Center for Music, leader of Eisner’s Klezmorim and an avid student of Yiddish language and culture. 

After the presentation, Stelson will sign and sell “Stars of the Night” for the list price of $20. The book is recommended for children in third grade and older, as well as adults. Cash or checks (payable to Save the Children) will be accepted. All proceeds will be donated to Save the Children — Ukraine. 

The Sunday adult programs are free and open to the public and meet concurrently with the Jewish Cultural Sunday School. Attendees can choose to wear a mask and are expected to be up to date on vaccinations or have a same-day negative COVID test. Those who cannot attend in person may join over Zoom. Please register in advance here. 

Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective. 

For information about Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School, contact JCSS director Molly Phipps at [email protected]. For information about Or Emet, email [email protected] or visit oremet.org.