How this book began: It began one day when my mother was making Chanukah latkes. I had to stand on tiptoe to see the latkes frying in the oil. What magic to see the batter turn to round, golden-brown pancakes Could I do it? Could I turn them? I begged my mother and she let me. The wonderment of it still lives. It began at another time when I had to write a story as a child. I wrote about how I loved the Sabbath and...