MY BOOK
"Dates Shall Come Again"
“Dates Shall Come Again” – a bilingual (English-Hebrew) children’s book with deep Zionist roots.
A journey of love for the land, pioneer spirit, family, and Jewish values – and now you’re invited to be part of it.
The book is a touching, family story about roots, dreams, and connection — told through the eyes of curious grandchildren and their unforgettable grandfather, Saba Aviram, a kind and passionate farmer from the desert village of Paran in the Arava.
The story takes place during the last week of summer break, when the grandchildren come to visit their grandparents in a faraway, sunny moshav, just before the date harvest begins.
Between swimming, bonfires, and childhood games, Saba takes them into the heart of his orchard. There, he shares his life story: how he planted the first date trees, his love for the land, his belief in the farming dream, and the many people who walked the journey with him.
The book is full of colorful, expressive illustrations and written in a warm, simple way – in both Hebrew and English.
It’s great for family reading time, school activities around holidays like Tu Bishvat and Shavuot, or as a meaningful gift full of desert beauty, tradition, and hope.
This bilingual book builds bridges between desert and green fields, past and present, and between generations.
It’s a journey of memory, values, and inspiration – inviting young and old readers to connect, dream, and grow together.
I’m Zalman Spivak – a tour guide, educator, and father to Amit, Eden, Noam, and Ayellet-Chen. I live and breathe my family, my community, my Judaism, and the shared story that connects us all.
The book “Dates Shall Come Again” was written during my reserve army service in the IDF, right in the heart of the Iron Swords War. It was a time when I felt a deep need to reconnect with the pride of our identity – with our values, our roots, and the achievements of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel.
This story was born out of love – a deep passion for the land I call home. A land with thousands of years of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a beautiful mosaic of cultures and communities. Israel truly is a place like no other.
For more than 20 years, I’ve been traveling across this country, telling its story – the story of dreamers and achievers. People who brought the dream of a Jewish homeland to life. A dream that took many forms, was spoken and written about, and came to life through bold initiatives and real actions. The people of Israel, together with Jewish communities around the world, continue to dream and achieve. New visions are born, and new doers rise up, pushing Israel forward as a global force for change and healing.
While serving, I felt a strong urge to write a simple, honest story – one that reminds us where we came from, and where we’re headed…
- A story about pioneers.
- A story of a real date orchard in the Arava.
- A story about a tree planted with love.
- A story about grandchildren who carry the path forward.
After a long journey of writing, editing, and production, with dozens of lovingly crafted sketches and illustrations, this is my moment to turn to you.
With your support, we can bring this book to life and share it with children, parents, educators, and grandparents – here in Israel and around the world. A book that inspires, sparks memory, and connects generations.
Especially in these times, when we all turn inward – to our families, our people, and our communities – I invite you to join me on a journey that beats with a proud Israeli heart.
A unique and groundbreaking children’s book – rooted, soulful, and full of heart!
I warmly invite you to consider bringing Dates Shall Come Again into your classrooms. Whether for Tu Bishvat, Yom Ha’atzmaut, or everyday learning, this story is a meaningful gift for your students – one that can spark conversation, reflection, and connection. By purchasing copies for your school or class, you’ll be giving your students a chance to engage with a story rooted in values, memory, and the enduring love for the Land of Israel.
With appreciation and hope,
Zalman Spivak
