Instead of a Flood.

"Instead of a Flood" is the first book, published in 2009.









An Interview with the Author after publishing the first book:

I never thought you were the author type. Did you think you would ever write a book?
I have always had a desire to write but was too busy with other aspects of my life.

What pushed you to try your hand at writing? Was there a catalyst for this book?
Besides the desire to just write, there were two aspects that motivated me. Firstly, and less important, was the wish to capture a boyhood spirit of adventure and excitement and commit it to paper.

What do you mean by that?
Well, I suppose in my imagination I took ideas and concepts and projected myself into them. I have always had a keen enthusiasm for participation in sports and outdoor activities. Although I enjoyed a modicum of success, the projection allowed me to live ‘superman’ type experiences. And as Superman was a boyhood hero, this nestled itself in part of my brain.

So are you saying that you are a failed sportsman/adventurer who committed his desires and aspirations to paper?
I wasn’t but now that I hear it from you, you might be correct. Sort of living vicariously with my imagination, so to speak. This is a little embarrassing, too.

You intimated that this was the less important of the two aspects, your two goals in writing. What is the more important facet?
Aha, yes. I have always been interested (or should I say captivated) by the concept of high morals and values. Let me say at the outset that I don’t for one minute suggest I am a practitioner of these aims. However, they certainly are my goals.

Do you want to expand on that a little more?
Sure. I just love to witness and be amongst people who are a force for good.

This does come across in the book but perhaps you can enlighten the reader from your perspective.
As I mentioned, I love goodness. I love what it stands for and I love from where it emanates. I also see much misery and poor behavior in our societies. So the writing of this novel was an opportunity to express my understanding of morals and ethics within the parameters set by the Torah.

Then I would gather that you did not write an adventure story or not just an adventure story.
Thank you for your perception, it really makes me feel good. Actually, that is a different type of good, sort of a selfish good. I digress. I really wanted to do a couple of things with the book. Firstly, I wished to introduce my understanding of the moral foundation of the world and from where it emanates. Of course, the scope of the book only utilizes a limited number of examples. Obviously, I have tried to create diversions and interesting situations to keep the reader’s interest. But the point is really to remain within Torah, the Hebrew Bible’s parameters at all times and, at a practical level. Someone used the term once, ‘Torah-Lite’.

It is clear that you do that but I also like the way you used...what’s his name...Itzy, as the evil inclination. How did you decide upon that?
It came to me as a way to express both sides of behavior. I think this allows me to delve into the ‘good side’ but gives the reader who does not identify with the moral messages an avenue to express his protest. So both sides are dealt with and I believe the reader can then be the arbiter. I think it contrasts issues, too.

Hmm...very interesting and, may I say, a novel approach. There were times I could really relate to your Itzy character.
Unfortunately, me too.

The standard of your expected level of behavior for humanity is very, very high.
Perhaps, but then we have choice. I think it is a good idea knowing where the goalposts are and adjusting your sights accordingly. Even if you cannot reach the goal, it is still a good thing to be able to measure your distance at all times.

I never thought of it that way. I like the analogy.
Thank you.

Were there other purposes behind the book?
Embedded within the value issue, I wanted to try and appeal to both sides of the spectrum and of course, all in between.

Slow down there a bit, Jeff. Give me an example.
Maybe it's a plea for understanding between the more religious and the less to completely irreligious.

You’ll have to explain that...
Of course. I wanted the religious people who are sometimes very negative to secular activities to see that these pastimes can be part of life without compromise. It really is a fascinating concept in Judaism of taking the mundane and elevating it to the holy.

What do you mean by that?
It really is a complicated idea. But suffice to say that you can approach most things with the correct moral and spiritual attitude and it changes the nature of the activity. So sport can be played in a manner that gives the player enjoyment and at the same time is done in a manner that would be pleasing to the Master of the Universe.

Hey, this is interesting. Give me example.
How about a baseball player running to a base and being called ‘safe’ but knowing in his heart that the ball reached the glove first. His decision to call himself out or rely on the erroneous decision by the umpire is a test of character, a moral decision. I think a player acting morally correctly would be demonstrating to the world a number of things. I think it would be a way of using sport to display decency and goodness. Anyway, that is just a tiny example.

I think I was right earlier about some high standards. Anything else?
I just believe the book allows the religious youngsters to see that they can be part of the secular world without compromising their values. Conversely, people of secular persuasion should discern that religious folks are not a threat but a force for good. I think somewhere therein is a kernel to be explored.

How did you get the book published, being a new author?
It is not an easy process, sort of chicken and egg concept. What was encouraging was a reply received from a publisher.

What made it encouraging?
She used the words ‘intriguing and original’ to describe the book.

I can understand a comment like that would be well received. I suppose after that  critique she represents the publisher of the book.
Actually...she rejected the manuscript.

Go figure.


Comments: Instead of a Flood

I have received the first batch of comments about the book and I would like to share a handful of them with those who may be interested.

Zara Sclar wrote: “...just finished a great book!!!... Went and bought three extra copies for gifts...amazing story—not like one I have ever read and I couldn't put it down..... Seriously, great read! Brilliantly written!!... Well done Jeff.... When is the next one coming out?”

Ellen Zyroff wrote: “Instead of a Flood is an inspiration to new writers. People are often advised to write about what they know best and you've done a superb job of just that, while artfully weaving the private and public challenges and opportunities we all face with a strong, interesting plot, delightful humor, cliff-hanger suspense and local color. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your book—a great read for all and a special treat for those who know you at our shul.

Ernie Saks wrote: “The book had an engaging plot and I read it with great anticipation, waiting to see how it would turn out. It was an imaginative and engaging narrative.”

I have also included a sprinkling of comments received from many readers. I did not seek permission to reprint their opinions so I omitted names. Some are amusing, too and thought they might be of interest.


H.M. — “Wow! I never expected the book to be so thick. I was expecting 120 pages, not 420.”

Contrast the following observations:

“Your ‘bad guys’ are not bad enough while the ‘good guys’ are a bit too good.”

“You should not have spent the time on the ‘bad guys’—they detract from the book.”

L.L. — “You have the most amazing imagination; to write what you have written is mind boggling.”

E.G. — “The book is clever in a variety of respects including the themes and sub-themes, one line cracks, structure etc. Personally the concept of influencing people from a spiritual point of view using sport as a medium I thought was terrific. You should have gone further with this idea.”

M.A. — “You have a very fertile imagination. I read two or three books at a time but I could not put this one down.”

P.S. — “I love the way you brought the pieces together—I rushed home from work each day to read it. They should make it into a movie.”

K.M. — “Jeff, you do us all proud. I really enjoyed the book but want to know what happened to the terrorists?”