Temple to host Israeli author LONG BRANCH - Tem-ple Beth Miriam Sisterhood will host a book signing by Israeli author Eva Etzioni-Halevy, currently on a U.S. book tour for her new novel, "The Garden of Ruth." The reception will be held at Temple Beth Miriam, 180 Lincoln Ave, Elberon, Wednesday, June 6, at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes a signed copy of the book. R.S.V.P. to the temple office at (732) 222-3754. "The Garden of Ruth," published by Plume, a Division of Penguin, follows the success of Etzioni-Halevy's first biblical novel "The Song of Hannah." The new book's heroine, Osnath, is sort of a biblical Miss Marple who embarks on a journey to unlock the mysteries of the future King David's great-grandmother Ruth's secret love affair. She soon finds out that everyone not only seems to be blocking her investigation, but how the interests of David's family may be threatened by her discoveries. Below the book's surface lurks a feminist message about strong and intelligent women who used their feminine strength to cope in a male dominated society. Enfolded in the novel is also a message of interfaith tolerance. A child Holocaust survivor and professor emeritus of political sociology, Etzioni-Halevy is emerging as a leading player in the biblical novel genre. A third novel about the renowned prophetess and judge Deborah is slated for release next year.