The Tenth Man

The true story of how a nearly 100-year-old synagogue and its elderly congregation found new life, hope, and community in New Orleans.

In Orthodox tradition, one needs ten Jewish men to perform certain prayers, but the nine elderly congregants of Anshe Sfard, all Holocaust survivors, had gone without a tenth person for a long time. Until a young man named Alex Brown happened to knock on the door and changed everything. Through small acts of service, like carrying the Torah to the bimah, Alex helped bring community life back to the shul. 

In this heartfelt tribute to Holocaust survivors and the greatest generation, Artie Bennett captures everyday life at the synagogue and all the individual personalities of the men with humor and heart: who liked to play pranks, who liked to bicker, and who could slice a tomato so that not a single piece went to waste. 

They were tailors, shoemakers, grocers, schmatte sellers, deli owners, and ironworkers—and their stories continue to live on. Movingly illustrated by debut illustrator Shira Neiss, The Tenth Man shows how even the smallest acts of service can keep a community and its memories alive. 

Back matter includes more information, a glossary, a bibliography, and photos.Deeply moving.
—Kirkus Reviews

Neiss’ stylized watercolor illustrations eloquently capture the chaotic beauty of the synagogue, as well as the story's inspiring moments and characters’ emotions. . . . A uniquely American Jewish story about faith and community.
—Booklist

Crafted like the best drawn journalism. . . . Fluid digital and watercolor renderings pulse with immediacy and genuine affection . . . in this work about life’s unexpected gifts.
—Publishers WeeklyArtie Bennett is a children's book author and executive copy editor at Random House Books for Young Readers. His picture books include The Butt Book and The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t, which won the Magnolia Book Award and earned a 2021 CCBC Choice Award. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Shira Neiss is an illustrator, printmaker, and educator. Her work is whimsical, irreverent, and possesses a strong Jewish and feminist sensibility. Shira is based in Brooklyn. The Tenth Man is her debut.