Grand Bazaar, presenting to Hebrew school, reflecting on Hanukkah, miracles, and a cute family.

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Hello! Happy last night of Hanukkah to those who celebrate. I just got back from an awesome (and cold) day as a vendor at an outdoor flea market in Manhattan. I'm so grateful to everyone for following my Hanukkah project journey and to those of you who bought the book! I hope you and your families enjoyed it. It's been so special to be part of this holiday and see people interacting with my work.

To be honest, I'm glad the holiday is ending because it has been a lot! This week, I also visited a Hebrew School in New Jersey. It was my first live book reading. More on that and pictures below, my favorite doodle from the book, and a cute family.

Enjoy!

If you're new to Danielle in Doodles, welcome! I publish this newsletter of my latest doodles and updates most Sundays, and you can see archives here.

Selling at the Grand Bazaar

I took myself, my branded bucket hat (plus ear muffs), and my books to Manhattan's Grand Bazaar on the Upper West Side. It was a little late to sell Hanukkah products (tonight is the last night), but it was a great opportunity to meet people, get ideas, show off the Hanukkah book and Haggadah, and even sell some books! Thanks to my dad for driving me there and helping man the booth, and to Paul, Ashish, and Becca for stopping by! And to all the new people I met! I plan to go back next year with the Haggadah and some other products.

Reading to kids at Temple Emanu-El in Edison, NJ

Long story short, I connected with the principal of a Hebrew School in Edison, NJ. She invited me to bring books and read and do activities with the kids, and I went this week. The kids called me Miss Doodles, which I loved!

We had a fun (while chaotic) reading and Q&A session together. I hope I get the chance to do something like this again!

Chef Ahoova with the book

Shoutout to Ahoova Gol Zeffren, a Hebrew and Judaic studies teacher based in Los Angeles, who contributed two recipes to the book and helped fill in some gaps while I was writing the story of Hanukkah. We met because she is my sister’s roommate’s mom! She shared her family traditions and recipes with me over a few phone calls. Julia, my sister, who now lives in LA, gave her a finished copy of the book.

The results are in ... here is the community's response to the book!

From online customers: These make the hard work worthwhile!

• "I am really enjoying your book. Reading each night as I go to bed on that particular night. One of the fun things to see is watching a person grow in her capabilities, going from doodles to a worthwhile book. It will be fun to watch your journey." — Julian
• "My niece finally received the book today. Happy to report her daughter is already immersed in it!!" — Michele

From children: I love their honesty!

• "The story and illustrations are the best part." — one of the kids at Hebrew school
• "I like how the pictures are drawn" — a first grader at my friend's school
• "Are you burning the characters on the Menorah?" — how one of the kids at Hebrew school responded to the cover (eek!)

From the Grand Bazaar: It is fun (and humbling) to be IRL!

• "Where'd you get those Hanukkah candles?"
• "Which night is it?"
• "Can I buy this dreidel?"
• "Chag Sameach..." (this means happy holidays in Hebrew) said while walking away
• "Do you have a directory of all the vendors?"
• "Is your boyfriend Jewish?"

Hanukkah Miracles

This is one of my favorite doodles from the book! 

A very cute family that also celebrates Hanukkah

My good friends from college, Debbie and Josh, were the first in our crew to get married and have a baby. So when their adorable 1-year-old had a birthday last month, he had to get doodled. Their cute shitzu made it in, too. I say this about every custom drawing, but this is one of my favorites!

Thanks for reading! And THANK YOU to those of you who supported my Hanukkah project. Next up — Passover! But first, it's time to take a little rest and go from hustle to hibernation mode.

Meaning, I might skip the newsletter next week. 

I'm ending this newsletter with my new favorite Hanukkah song!

Thanks to my sister, Julia, I'll being seeing these two live tomorrow.

Doodles!

*Danielle Brody*

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