Celebrate Passover
This year Passover begins at sunset on March 29th and ends at nightfall on April 5, 2010. Passover is the Jewish holiday commemorating the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt. Passover, in Hebrew "Pesah" meaning passing over, is derived from instructions given to Moses by God, "And the blood (when placed on the door post) shall be for you for a sign on the houses where you are, and I shall see the blood and I shall pass over you, and there shall not be among you a plague to destroy." (Ex: 12:13) The story of the Exodus can be found in the second book of the Bible.
Traditionally, families' gather on the first night of Passover for the seder, a special dinner where the story of the Exodus is told from the haggadah. There are many detailed and elaborate instructions for the seder and other Passover celebrations. They also vary depending upon country and denomination.
Browse through these titles and those from previous years for some selections to share with your family or students.
And for more information on Passover visit:
http://www.history.com/content/passover
http://www.chabad.org/kids/article_cdo/aid/354750/jewish/Passover.htm
Contributor: Emily Griffin
Reviews
A is for Abraham: A Jewish Family Alphabet
Richard Michelson
Illustrated by Ron Mazellan
If one looks closely at the title, he or she will note that this book uses the English alphabet and not the Hebrew aleph-bet as a framework for teaching Jewish customs, beliefs, and history. The purpose is to teach Jewish children, or anyone interested in Jewish customs and beliefs, something about Judaism. It is written in such a way that it will be acceptable to all Jewish movements and to people of other religious affiliations. Each new alphabet letter prompts a very interesting piece of information. It is hard to pinpoint the exact ages of children for whom the book is meant, since a young child might enjoy it and an adult might also learn many new things. The book is exquisitely adaptable to different ways of sharing information with a young child. Using the beautiful pictures, an adult could read the information literally to a child. Or an adult might silently read the text and then pick out a few things to teach a young child. The adult might even easily add some personal memories or comments to a discussion of the text. It is a book that might grow along with a child as he or she gains a deeper understanding of life. The book is well made and will endure use by a young child. As is true in many children's books these days, the illustrations are inspiring! It is possible to imagine buying two books and framing some of the pictures from one of the books in order to place them on a child's bedroom wall. 2008, Sleeping Bear Press, $17.95. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Ali Fell (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781585363223
ISBN: 1585363227
Built by Angels: The Story of the Old-New Synagogue
Mark Podwall
This book, written and illustrated by Mark Podwall, recipient of awards from the Society of Illustrators and the Jewish Book Council, fills minimal text with Jewish history, lore, custom, and beliefs in an easy to understand manner. Based on a real synagogue--Prague's Altneuschul, or Old-New Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe, the author has done research on the building as evidenced in the text, illustrations, and author's note at the end of the work. This picture book tells the history and legends of the Old-New Synagogue, it's building by angels, the need to keep all stones exactly as they were until the day the stones themselves returned to the Temple in Jerusalem, the ghosts, the Golem, and more. The content and approach of this book is appropriate not only for Jewish children but for any child interested in mythical or fairy-tale picture books. Minimal text on each page makes the work not only suitable for reading aloud, but also for beginning readers to approach the world of reading. 2009, Harcourt Children's Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 3 to 6, $16.00. Reviewer: Sara Rofofsky Marcus (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-15-206678-9
Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Spring and Summer Holidays
Paul Steinberg
Covering the Jewish holidays of Passover, the Omer, Shavuout, and Tisha b'Av, this volume follows a similar layout for each holiday. Although, holiday might be the wrong description for two of these four events: the Omer and Tisha b'Av. The Omer is a 49-day period between Passover and Shavuout, while Tisha b'Av is a day of remembrance, but not a holiday in terms of work restrictions. Each of the four parts, one for each holiday or event, begins with holiday-specific discussions, followed by section pathways through the sources, interpretations of sacred texts, significance of the holiday/season, and alternative meditations. Essays in the collection from other sources appear as they originally did, leading to variations in spelling and language between pieces. The book itself begins with an exploration of foundational Jewish beliefs and how the holidays influence these. Informative and knowledgeable, this book is approachable by those with little to no Jewish background, yet contains interpretations and meditations useful to learned scholars. History, mysticism, and explanations abound, as do sources for ideas and concepts used throughout the work. A lengthy glossary provides definitions of terms used throughout the volume. The table of contents is clearly labeled with article titles and, where applicable, author. The index of names, concepts, books, organizations, and more make this a valuable reference book. This book is geared for adults, and possibly advanced young adults seeking to learn more about Judaism. It is not relevant to general, or secular, study classes. 2009, Jewish Publication Society, Ages Adult, $22.00. Reviewer: Sara Rofofsky Marcus (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-082760850-4
Clay Man: The Golem of Prague
Irene N. Watts
Illustrated by Kathryn E. Shoemaker
Under the cover of darkness thirteen-year-old Jacob secretly watches as his father, Rabbi Loew, creates from the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water the enormous Golem. The mute giant, obedient only to the Rabbi, is formed to protect the Jews of the walled ghetto of sixteenth century Prague. Massive and powerful, the Golem, named Josef, guards the people from those who seek to poison, defame, and persecute the Jewish people who are forced to wear a yellow circle of cloth as identification--a prelude of days to come when the Jews of Europe have to wear the yellow Star of David. The Golem is instrumental in revealing the fallacy of the Blood Lie--that Jewish people used the blood of Christian children to make their matzos. Over a period of three years Jacob watches the soulless man he calls friend uncover plots against his people and thus win for the Jews the acceptance of the Emperor Rudolf II. When the time comes that Josef has completed his mission, the Rabbi and Jacob take him to a secret room where the Golem is returned to his silent sleep to await a day when he is needed once again. The familiar legend of the Golem is fully realized in this quiet retelling that breathes life into this forerunner of the superhero. The Golem's protective mission is completed and only when he becomes destructive does the Rabbi come to the realization that he must be returned from whence he came. Unlike David Wisniewski's handsomely illustrated The Golem, Clarion Books, 1996, this clay man is not as menacing and his "death" is more dignified. Charcoal sketches throughout depict a hulking figure of immense strength but with mournful eyes that reveal the sorrow within. There is room on library shelves for both of these fine retellings. 2009, Tundra Books, Ages 7 to 10, $19.95. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780887768804
ISBN: 0887768806
My First Passover
Tomie dePaola
My First Passover is a literary introduction to the Jewish holiday of Pesach for very young children. While there are few words, the words are well chosen to introduce difficult concepts. Small children, nevertheless, will not be able to make any sense of the content unless an adult goes out of his or her way to explain and/or demonstrate various aspects. Bitter herbs? Shank bone? Ideally, it will be read both before and after the Passover dinner and then over the course of the year. For this reason, the primary readers of this book will probably be Jewish. Combining this book with a more expanded story of the Exodus will add meaning and child delight. What child does not like a good story? The pictures are simple, colorful, pleasant, and excellent for their purpose in teaching a small child. Any adult who purchases this book must have the commitment to use it as a framework for actively teaching. As a follow up to adult teaching, young readers will be able to proudly read the book to younger siblings; this will improve both reading skills and reinforce the child's own knowledge of Passover. 2008 (orig. 1990), Grosset and Dunlap/Penguin, $5.99. Ages 2 to 3. Reviewer: Ali Fell (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780448447919
ISBN: 0448447916
Richard Codor's Joyous Haggadah: The Illuminated Story of Passover
Richard Codor and Liora Codor
A colorful and condensed version of the traditional Jewish haggadah, used at the seder on the holiday of Passover, this illustrated volume, now in its second edition, will entertain as it teaches about the rituals and reasons of the holiday. Whether for a young child being taught for the first time, or an adult wanting a brief overview or review, this book will have parts suitable to all. Rather than a table of contents, the work begins with the order of the Passover seder, albeit without pagination. Presenting explanations, directions, and prayers in English, Hebrew and transliteration, this haggadah will assist one in gaining an overview of what to expect at the seder. While not appropriate for traditional, Orthodox seders the book is a welcomingly presented representation of the haggadah and accompanying rituals. This is a valuable introduction to the holiday of Passover for any newcomer, regardless of age, whether read in total or only selections such as the two-page comic, the songs, the games, the recipes, the excerpts of the haggadah itself, or the narratives. 2009 (orig. 2008), Loose Line Productions, Ages 8 up, $11.95. Reviewer: Sara Rofofsky Marcus (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-9792180-3
The Yankee at the Seder
Elka Weber
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Elka Weber recounts an intriguing true tale about connecting despite differences. When the Civil War ends, 10-year-old Jacob is angry with the Yankees that now patrol the Virginia streets. In fact, one even stops at his porch and asks for a bit of matzoh. Jacob's mother quickly invites the young corporal, named Myer Levy, to their seder. Amidst the shared rituals and recounting of the story of Moses and the captive Israelites, Myer explains his view of Passover as a holiday based on "how no man wants to be a slave and about how wonderful it is to be free." The former Confederate family reflects on his words. A year later, they resonate even more powerfully with young Jacob when the soldier, returned home to Philadelphia, sends a special gift. Rich in period detail, the accompanying oil paintings by Adam Gustavson portray the characters trying to respect differences, celebrate similarities and honor their common humanity. 2009, Tricycle, $16.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781582462561
ISBN: 1582462569
To view reviews of books on this feature from previous years, click on the following links:
2009
2006
2005
2003
Added 2/25/2010
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