Even Higher

A skeptical visitor to the village of Nemirov finds out where its rabbi really goes during the Jewish New Year, when the villagers claim he goes to heaven to speak to God.

Grade 2-4 Based on a Hassidic tale told by I. L. Peretz, Cohen's adaptation is a warm tale full of mystery and reverence. The villagers of Nemirov believe their Rabbi to be so Holy that he raises himself up to Heaven, and appeals directly to God to seek forgiveness for his people. The doubting Litvak follows the Rabbi on his secret mission. When he discovers that the Rabbi is actually engaged in acts of charity, he realizes that there are indeed ways of raising oneself up to Heaven. From then on he is the Rabbi's most devoted follower, and when the townspeople make their claim, the Litvak replies ``even higher.'' Ivanov's folk art for Cohen's book, reminiscent of Shulevitz' The Treasure (Farrar, 1979) , is full of glowing colors which reflect the gleam in the eyes of the people. The essence of the Eastern European culture is effectively captured. This is a lively, spirited tale just ripe for reading aloud or storytelling. Set prior to Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, it has a place in holiday collections. Another version of this story can be found in Esther Hautzig's adaptations of Peretz' stories, The Seven Good Years (Jewish Publication Society, 1984) .Micki S. Nevett, Temple Beth Emeth Library, Albany, N.Y.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A Lithuanian "Litvak" has reservations about the story that the local town's rabbi raises himself to heaven during the Jewish new year. He hides under the rabbi's bed and recites chapters from the Bible to stay awake. When the rabbi rises from his bed and dons peasant's garb, the Litvak follows him through town in the shadows cast by houses to the forest beyond. The rabbi chops down a tree and carries a bundle of sticks and logs to a poor woman's hut, feigning a business transaction. This is a gentle story of treading the path of doubt that leads to faithseeing is but one way to believe. The retelling of this edifying tale from the Hasidic tradition will appeal to young readers; Ivanov's watercolors are dominated by optimistic shades of yellow and green and the happy expressions on the faces of well-contented village folk. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.