My co-author, Jill Gregory, and I both loved these two beautiful tributes to the special people our contest winners wrote about. Both capture the essence of a Lamed Vovnik, one of the 36 righteous souls born in every generation, whose goodness keeps the world in existence. Both of our contest winners received autographed copies of THE BOOK OF NAMES, WOLF RIVER, and UNTO THE DAUGHTERS.

Winner: Ursula Bowler from Warren, PA

Lamed Vovnik character in THE BOOK OF NAMES: Jack Cherle

"Is it possible my Autistic son is a Lamed Vovnik? My son has Asperger's Syndrome and you could not know a more loving and caring child. When he was formulating language, he had his own, which I thought had to be the language of the angels. He does not see, nor does he understand, meaness in others. It confuses him when others hit or tease him. He never strikes back but comes home broken spirited wondering why one would do what they did.

One time, I told him not to speak to strangers....his reply to me was, "Ok mom, I won't make any new friends today." He is a teacher of unconditional love through his example. He feels the emotions of others and reaches out to them, to protect the other children from being bullied, to give of himself and his belongings. Yes, my son could very well be a Lamed Vovnik. If he isn't, then he's their helper, adding goodness to his small corner of the world allowing the Lamed Vovniks to work wonders in theirs."

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Winner: R.B. from Boca Raton, Florida

Lamed Vovnik character in THE BOOK OF NAMES: Beverly Panagoupolos

"I believe my late friend Joe was a Lamed Vovnik -- one of the 36 people who are the pillars of our world. A eulogy I heard at his funeral said it all. He was caring, cheerful, generous, warm, and totally passionate about education. He truly believed that education could enlighten the world and so he worked tirelessly on behalf of furthering scientific education for more than six decades. His enthusiasm was so contagious that he had no problem easily inspiring others to join with him.

Joe had many friends. They all admired him and agreed he was a special and selfless human being who could always be counted on to give more than 100%. Joe's memory will live on in the love of learning that he brought to so many others, believing that education could help repair the world."

Thanks to everyone for entering!