Welcome to Tante Hanna Writes

About me and this blog

Why am I starting a newsletter in the middle of a war?

1. I’ve been a writer most of my life, one way or another.

I have binders filled with published articles and stories. I’ve had two children’s books published and have won or placed in every writing contest I’ve entered. But the stories and articles that are closest to my heart don’t get published.

Why is this? I write from a Jewish perspective, but most American-Jewish authors are either liberal or Orthodox. I have not been associated with the liberal Jewish world in many years. But while my religious practice is Orthodox, I have never lived in a strongly Orthodox Jewish community such as are found in big cities like Chicago, LA and New York. Additionally, I am divorced and never had children. Thus my background leaves me with little connection to the average Orthodox community.

But I have lots of non-Jewish friends as well as friends living Orthodox lives in non-Orthodox communities. These are my target readers.

Years ago, after I spoke at a school library conference, I learned that librarians of Christian schools look in vain for good stories that will help their students understand my misunderstood community. In a few weeks I will be making available to paid subscribers a printable 8.5 x 11 or A4-sized page suitable for use as a cover for a binder of the Tante Hanna Writes for Children stories and instructional materials.

2. Why is it called Tante Hanna Writes?

When I was looking for a name that would feel friendly and approachable, I thought of this. Since around 1987 I’ve had a much younger friend who calls me Tante Hanna, or Aunt Hanna in Yiddish, the language spoken by Jews in eastern Europe before the Holocaust and still spoken by some very traditional Jewish groups.

3. Why Now?

Unless you have spent the last weeks on the moon (which frankly sounds like a nice, relaxing place to have been lately) you know what happened on October 7, Simchat Torah, the last day of our 3 weeks of High Holidays. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, do a google search, I’m not repeating it here.

It feels more important than ever to communicate with my friends, especially those (still) living in the United States. I’ve been posting about the war on FaceBook and will put longer posts here. This platform was created to avoid the censorship on other platforms.

4. What kind of community am I looking to build here?

I am planning two types of writings, so looking to build two communities: one of people who have their own opinions and are open to sharing and listening to others, within limits*. My second type is Jewish and non-Jewish parents and teachers interested in good stories and greater understanding of traditional Jewish culture, a place where questions can be asked and answered honestly.

*I am not open to listening to liberal and Western (USA, Canada, UK, etc.) ideas about what Israel should or should not be doing about Hamas, Hizbollah and the Palestinians. You don’t live here and you are inundated with lies and half-truths. I will answer questions, but I will not publish manifestos, diatribes, etc. This is not a political forum although since my country is at war politics cannot be completely avoided.

I have spent my life observing more than participating, a pattern that will probably continue online. In other words, I am looking for readers more than conversation partners. But these blogs will only succeed if I am meeting your needs, so please do ask questions and give me comments.

5. What Are the Two Sections of This Newsletter?

• Tante Hanna Writes will be a sort of war journal interspersed with cultural and other essays about the random and not-so-random thoughts that flit through my rather weird brain. Note to people who think they know me: I have been hiding my weirdnesses for most of my life in an effort to fit in. Between being almost 78 years old and living in a war zone, I have decided to come out with things about which I have rarely spoken. You will definitely learn things about me you never suspected. To be published on Tuesdays.

• Tante Hanna Writes for Children will feature stories and articles for children and teens. Many will be about Jewish children; some will be about life in Israel, some will be whatever comes to my mind. All will be written so as to be accessible to all children. To be published Fridays. Stories can be printed out and read on the Sabbath.

6. What’s in It for You?

Anyone is welcome to subscribe for free. Tante Hanna Writes will (God willing and the internet is up) be in your email box by 8 AM EST on Tuesday mornings. Tante Hanna Writes for Children will (God willing) be in your email box by 8 AM Friday mornings.

Paid subscriptions are available. In addition to the newsletters themselves, the following will be provided:

• background information on the children’s story for parents and teachers including Jewish cultural and religious information and other information as needed.

• 10% of subscription price will be donated to Israeli charities supporting war widows, families in financial distress because their only breadwinner volunteered or was called up in the reserves, and other causes. These donations are not tax-deductible. If you’re looking for those, please ask and I’ll recommend some reputable organizations with long track records that have American 501(c )3 nonprofit standing.

• If the Comments start filling up with spam or anti-Israel/anti-Jewish material, I will reset so that only paid subscribers can comment.

• If something I write bothers you, feel free to comment—but be nice about it. If someone pays for a subscription and writes nasty things or otherwise “trolls” me, their subscriptions will be terminated immediately with no refunds.

Subscriptions are payable in your currency; the platform hosting these blogs will make the conversions.

Monthly subscriptions are $8 (USD) and can be cancelled effective the last day of any month. Auto-renewal.

Annual subscriptions save money: $80 for the year, non-refundable. Auto-renewal.

Donations in any amount are also accepted.

7. Because Humor Is Important

Louie (on the left) and Moka watching their favorite soap opera.