Author Interviews Father About Outsmarting the KGB

Author and speaker Sara Blau has just released a powerful new children’s book, sharing the extraordinary true story of her father’s childhood growing up as a young Chossid in Soviet Russia — a time when keeping Torah and mitzvos could cost you everything.

In a country where Yiddishkeit had to be hidden, and every mitzvah observed in secret, Sara’s grandparents learned to live with courage, creativity, and unshakable faith. Her grandparents became masters of disguise — finding clever ways to keep mitzvos hidden in plain sight. From maintaining a shed year-round that doubled as their sukkah, to outsmarting watchful neighbors and government officials, every day was a delicate balance of danger and devotion.

Now, those memories are brought to life in a beautifully illustrated book, told through warm conversations between Zeidy and his grandson Yosef. Each story opens a window into a world where mesiras nefesh wasn’t theoretical — it was life itself. Children will be inspired by Zeidy’s resourcefulness and touched by his joy in keeping Hashem’s mitzvos no matter the cost.

Not all of Zeidy’s memories could fit between the pages. In an exclusive interview, he shares more — like the time the plumber stole his dog or why the family never used their beautiful white tea kettle.

This heartfelt book was released in honor of Yud Gimmel Tishrei, the yahrzeit of Zeidy Naftali Kravitsky, whose quiet heroism and steadfast chassidishkeit shaped generations. It’s a tribute to those who lived as hidden heroes — and a gift to children growing up free to live as proud Yidden today.

Purchase the book: https://judaicapress.com/products/zeidys-story

Watch the exclusive behind-the-scenes interview: