The Passover Journey: A Seder Companion - Softcover

Goldin, Barbara Diamond

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140561315 ISBN 13: 9780140561319

Publisher: Puffin, 1997

Synopsis

Follows the story of the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom, in a detailed and age-appropriate explanation of the rituals and symbols of the Passover Seder, combined with lavish illustrations. Reprint.

About this title

From Booklist

Gr. 4-8. A beautiful wedding of the work of two talented individuals, this exquisitely designed book celebrates the Jewish holiday of Passover by sharing with readers both its bittersweet history and its customs. In the first section, Goldin mixes material from the book of Exodus with rabbinic stories based on the biblical texts to dramatically and lucidly retell the Passover saga--from the Israelites' enslavement by the wicked Pharaoh to the trials of Moses, the 10 plagues, and the deliverance from Egypt. The second portion of the book, equally well handled, explains the origins and symbolism of the Seder (the Passover meal commemorating the Israelites' freedom from bondage) and its special parts. Goldin speaks simply, warmly, and directly throughout the book and lets her own love of the holiday shine through--especially in an appended section in which both she and illustrator Waldman share a few personal Passover memories. The many illustrations are an attractive mix of bold graphics and soft colors. The geometric borders and pastels characteristic of Waldman's work are evident everywhere. This time, though, they're combined with stylized, classic Egyptian hieroglyphic figures and set against softly tinted pages that actually glow. The handsome pictures will lure kids to the fine text, which answers fundamental questions about one of the most beautiful holidays of the Jewish calendar. A book for family sharing as well as a rich source of information. Stephanie Zvirin

From Publishers Weekly

Offering both an authoritative guide and a well-crafted story, Goldin ( Just Enough Is Plenty ; Cakes and Miracles ) thoughtfully and elegantly explains the traditions of Passover. She sets the stage by recounting Moses and the Israelites' journey out of Egypt, then takes readers step by step through the 14 sections of the seder, the ritual meal that begins the holiday. In an invitingly conversational style, Goldin outlines the historic and symbolic significance of the different rituals and foods, emphasizes the importance of remembrance (she describes the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, which erupted during Passover in 1943, and suggests that Holocaust survivors and Soviet emigres be invited to share their memories) and discusses ways of personalizing the seder. Sidebars highlight related topics, from ancient Baghdad customs to the omission of Moses from the Haggadah, the Passover prayerbook. Waldman's ( The Ty ger ) radiant watercolors underscore the changing moods of the text, with earthy browns and reds dominating the illustrations of the Exodus, and dusky purples and twilight blues suffusing the pages devoted to specific elements of the seder. All ages.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Puffin
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0140561315
• ISBN 13: 9780140561319
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 64
• Illustrator: Waldman Neil