3 comments about Private Joel and the Sewell Mountain Seder (Passover).

1. This book, written for young readers, is full of life and hope and deep humanity. I loved it, not only for its interesting story of life as a Civil War soldier, but for its warmth and reminder that even under adversity, it is possible to live as a full human being. The text and illustrations sing together, making the characters come alive. It's one of Fireside's best.



2. Based on a true story, this historical fiction is set in the year 1862, during the Civil War. Private J. A. Joel was part of a Jewish company of Union soldiers, camped out in West Virginia. With only two weeks away before Passover, Private Joel and his friends were homesick for family, and wanted to have their own Seder, or traditional Jewish Passover meal. The private and some of his fellow Jewish soldiers write a letter to their commander, William S. Rosencrans, asking for permission for a short leave so that they could prepare for and celebrate their traditional Seder. They are given permission, and are joined by several African American former slaves that now fight for the Union. With the help of a kindly Jewish sutler, supplies were procured and sent back to the men for their meal. Improvisation was the name of the game as the soldiers substituted ingredients that were on hand near their encampment for the traditional meal. Were these Jewish soldiers successful in holding their Passover Seder? Did it go off without any problems? Did Commander Rosencrans really have his spoon bend almost in half from his battle with a matzah ball? Find out by reading this excellent book!
   
   Author Bryna Fireside has done an excellent job of weaving a true story into a page-turning chapter book. I found this fascinating as a story and educational regarding the Jewish Passover celebration. The excellent illustrations by Shawn Costello make you feel as if you knew each soldier personally since their facial expressions throughout are so realistic and become truly humorous when accompanied by Bryna's funny dialog of the soldiers after they've had a few too many sips of cider. This is a wonderful story about the loneliness of the soldiers as they fought so far from home and missed family, friends, and a chance to celebrate their faith. I found this book to be very touching, realistic, and educational. This book is a keeper!



3. I bought this book for my almost 8 year old grandson for Passover and it turned out to be a wonderful history lesson. He loved reading the book to me and he was fascinated by the Civil War story. It brought that era to life for him

1 comments about Rachel's Gift.

1. Set in Biblical times, Rachel's Gift By Richard Ungar tells of a young Jewish woman who, just as Passover approaches, has received the special gift of a recipe for amazing and delicious matzo ball soup. They hope that the soup's fragrance will lure Elijah the Prophet to their home, and bring them good fortune. Many neighbors come, but could any of these ordinary people be the great prophet? Richard Ungar's superbly executed illustrations are awash in color and bring this spiritual picture book tale to life in the mind's eye of young readers ages 7 to 10.

1 comments about Diwali (Rookie Read-About Holidays).

1. I you have Indian students in your class or teach about international holidays, don't forget to learn about Diwali. It is very interesting and exciting!

No comments about Soccer Cousins (Hello Reader! - Level 4, Grades 2 & 3).

No comments about Celebrate Diwali (Celebrate Holidays).

3 comments about The Matzah That Papa Brought Home (Passover Titles).

1. This book, especially the illustrations, captures all the warmth and poignancy of family sedars. The subtleties in the pictures (Papa's hand clutching the son's arm, who is reaching for the matzah; the child asleep on the table; the many conversations being held at once) bring back so many childhood memories. A beautifully written and magnificently illustrated book for all ages!



2. Although this is a child's book, like Tevye, it drinks to life. It's a real seder! No one sits down! Someone spills something. A kid falls alseep! The tateh can read and see naughtiness out of the same eye! Here is genuine glee and warmth. A well-meaning Protestant reviewer called its form "The House that Jack Built," but it is, of course, "Chad Gadyoh" Everything in the contextual information at the back is clear and accurate - I used it at a seder for a mixed crowd who, after they understood the references, fell in love with the rhymes. And with the girl who Reads the Four Questions Nice and Loud.



3. This wonderful little book uses a repetitious pattern (ala "A Hole in the Ground" or "The House that Jack Built") to explain the events of a family Passover Seder. The text is full of rhythm and the illustrations are beautiful, warm, and soft bringing to life the closeness of community and illustrating the importance of family during such an important celebration. Those familiar with the traditions described herein will enjoy the book for the memories it can help evoke and those unfamiliar with such things as "matzah", "Dayenu", and "afikoman" will delight in learning about them.

No comments about Here Comes Our Bride!: An African Wedding Story.

No comments about Apples and Pomegranates: A Family Seder for Rosh Hashanah (High Holidays).

2 comments about The Magic of Kol Nidre: A Yom Kippur Story.

1. I teach a Judaic class for fourth graders. This book explained the meaning of Kol Nidre in a serious albeit touching story. A very good book.



2. A child tells of going to Kol Nidre service for the first time with his grandfather, who speaks of the ancient prayer's magic.
   This most solemn prayer of the year is sung three times--asking forgiveness for promises made to God which could not be kept during the preceeding year.

   Years later, the child holds his own infant as Kol Nidre is sung, dusting her nose with his Tzistit, the fringe of his prayer shawl, and still failing to grasp the meaning of the magic his grandfather told of.

   Still later, an old man himself, with a 6-year-old grandson at his side, the magic finally comes into full focus: It is the people, who come to Kol Nidre, knowing and not knowing the significance of this mystical prayer. He can now explain the magic it has taken an entire lifetime for him to comprehend.

   But there is more to the secret. If you want to know, buy this book, and share the magic with your children. It will make you cry tears of joy. Alyssa A. Lappen

1 comments about Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: With Honey, Prayers, and the Shofar (Holidays Around the World).

1. Concept, tone, layout and lively color photographs of Jews internationally explain the High Holidays to youngsters with awe and joy. If practice makes perfect, this third entry (first two on Hanukkah and Passover) about Jewish holidays in National Geographic's Holidays Around the World series proves the point. The text introduces religious and cultural details in a clear style. A tone of warm inclusiveness absorbs readers into their Jewish community with pride and delight while it invites non-Jews to understand Jewish religious customs. Readers see Jews celebrate around the world. Children discover Rosh Hashanah with sweetness and hope; they learn about atoning for sins, asking God for another year of life and marking the anniversary of creation. Celebrations at home highlight prayers, honey and round challah; those in synagogue, prayers, Torah and shofar. Tashlich gets a two page spread, then the mood grays with the ten Days of Repentance and Yom Kippur. Readers feel the seriousness of admitting sins, introspection, and fasting, but the gravitas is balanced by family togetherness and individual renewal. Because the book caters to young children, memorial services and candles appear in one photo caption and in the rabbinical end note, not in the main text. One small slip: Yom Kippur eve is erev, but Rosh Hashanah is the evening before. The layout uses key words in stand alone, large font to focus on the main ideas and succeeds admirably in delivering important concepts. Photographs of children's faces are full of pleasure. A recipe, glossary, map of photograph sites, the Al Het prayer and bibliography end this highly recommended book for children from 5 to 8 years old. Reviewed by Ellen G. Cole