The Past is Never Past

  The Past is Never Past This is the novel you’ll want to take with you into the chagim. When ninety-year-old Pearl King arrives in Israel with a bundle of old German letters, she sets a summer of discovery in motion for her granddaughter, Ilana. Nursing a difficult breakup, Ilana throws herself into translating the letters—only to uncover family stories of courage, survival, and love. As the past comes alive through Pearl’s memories of wartime Europe, the present erupts with turmoil: the kidnapping of three yeshiva boys, the outbreak of war, and the reappearance of Ilana’s potential fiancé under tragic circumstances. The Past Is Never Past by Ester Katz Silvers is a sweeping intergenerational novel that moves between history and contemporary struggle, weaving together themes of faith, family, heartbreak, and resilience. It’s a story that lingers long after the last page, reminding us that the past is never truly gone—it continues to shape the way we love, forgive, and hope. For the chagim, when family and memory take center stage, this novel makes the perfect companion. It offers not only a gripping narrative but also a chance to reflect on legacy, healing, and the enduring power of connection. The Past Is Never Past is more than a book you’ll read. It’s a book you’ll savor—and share.