The book has been crafted by so many people and so beautifully produced, the editor Dr Stephen Levine can be justifiably proud of it. Dr Joseph's wife, Judith, has since reviewed the book for an American Jewish journal. This is not for bedtime reading, or a relaxed dainty read by the fireside. But the weight reflects the whole experience. An inviting modern print on the cover is of a delightful painting by New Zealand artist Don Binney, of the old Wellington Synagogue.
Hazard are the publishers, but there is nothing haphazard about the production.
Within the pages we see comments and reflections from all sections of the Wellington Community - those who are from early families, biographies and autobiographies, photographs and a small gallery of reproduction paintings of Wellington through the years. This is a skilful blend of who came and why, how the refugees from Europe arrived as well as the Shaliach who visited and the one who went abroad. Dr Stephen Levine has put Wellington squarely on the map. In the early years this was not an inviting place to visit, let alone to dwell. But people did come, and some retraced their steps several times between New Zealand and Europe before settling permanently.