Israel: A Portrait of the Country Through Its Festivals and Traditions - NonFiction

A Menorah
Source: Google Pictures

      When many non-Jewish individuals think of Jewish holidays, the first one that comes to mind is Chanukah - the festival of lights. This holiday is around the same time as the Christian holiday of Christmas. "Candles are lighted and people remember the story of Judah Maccabee who fought for the Jews in ancient times" (Grolier, 1999). There are ten major Jewish holidays every year, and six minor holidays, in addition to special feasts.

      Israel: A Portrait of the Country Through Its Festivals and Traditions, a nonfictional book, explains all major holidays of the Jewish faith. From Rosh Hashanah to Purim to Pesakh - also known as Passover - all have special significance and meaning for every Jewish individual. The customs, beliefs, and some recipes connected to these Jewish holidays are explored within this book.

Celebrating Shauvot in Israel
Source: Google Pictures

      The grade level is for older children, from third grade up to seventh grade approximately, although young adults will also enjoy reading about Jewish faith and holidays. The font type is about a size 14 and is easily readable on optic white paper, while the pictures are placed appropriately on the pages corresponding to the holiday. Many of the pictures appear to be photographs and are life-like in appearance.

      This book would be valuable for a assignment regarding Jewish holidays, and to learn about the foods that go along with an ethnic culture. Additionally, a child or group of children could chose one recipe in the book and bring in the meal on a designated day. A Words to Know section is on page 31 which defines religious words not used in everyday life, such as "Deliverance, Atonement," and "Synagogue" (Grolier, 1999).

Reader Response Questions

1. What is the name given to the Jewish bible?

2. In the story of Mordecai and Esther, how did Queen Esther save the Jewish people in the land? Was Queen Esther also Jewish?

3. In what year was the State of Israel established?

      Personally, I think that elementary children should read about other cultures and the religion associated with the culture. This book Israel: A Portrait of the Country Through Its Festivals and Traditions should be one of several in a classroom library. Grolier Educational publishes at least fifteen other books on countries and their traditions and cultures.

Reference

Israel: A Portrait of the Country Through Its Festivals and Traditions. (1999). Grolier Educational. Singapore: Times Editions Pte Ltd.