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June 8, 2001/Sivan 17, 5761, Vol. 53, No.36
Novel explores Civil War anti-Semitism
BETH OLSON
Staff Writer
"The War Within: A Novel of the Civil War" by Carol Matas (Simon & Schuster, $16 hardcover)
In December 1862, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant issued General Order No. 11 requiring all Jews in Mississippi and parts of Tennessee and Kentucky to leave the territory, or risk imprisonment.
"The War Within" is a novel that explores the impact of this order on a fictional Jewish family living in Mississippi during the Civil War. The story is told through the eyes of the 13-year-old daughter of the Green family, Hannah.
The Greens are a wealthy, slave-owning family, whose patriarch and two eldest sons are serving in the Confederate army. Although their town is occupied by Union soldiers, the residents of Holly Springs live a fairly normal day-to-day life, until a series of events leaves the town destroyed.
As Hannah, along with her mother, older sister and two young brothers, are evacuated from their home and forced to travel with members of the Union army, Hannah begins to question her beliefs about truth, freedom and war.
"The War Within" is a fascinating novel in its exploration of anti-Semitism in a time and place not normally associated with such biases. Particularly interesting is Hannah's disassociation between the discrimination against the slaves and that against the Jews. The difference to her is physical appearance - she looks the same as her non-Jewish friends, so she feels she is the same. To Hannah, the slaves are different because they look different. Racial prejudice vs. religious persecution would make an interesting parent-child conversation after a reading of this book. Other issues raised in this novel would be great starting points for parent-child discussions, particularly war, loyalty and thinking for oneself.
This book is recommended for ages 10-14.
"On Shabbat" by Cathy Goldberg Fishman, illustrated by Melanie W. Hall (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16 hardcover)
Told from the perspective of a young Jewish girl, this is the story of modern American family celebrating a traditional Shabbat. From the moment Father arrives home with challah in hand, this family embraces the true meaning of Shabbat and makes it different from all other days of the week.
This book could be enjoyed by children from Sabbath-observant and non-observant families. Those children who observe Shabbat will see a piece of themselves in this family's traditions. For those who may be less observant, this is a chance to glimpse a more traditional lifestyle.
In addition to the realistic dialogue, the illustrations reflect the warm and peaceful glow of this family's celebration.
This book is recommended for ages 5-8.
"The Keeping Quilt" by Patricia Polacco (Aladdin Picture Books, $6.99 paperback)
This book, originally published in 1988, is available in a new 2001 paperback edition. "The Keeping Quilt" is the author's own family story, beginning with her great-grandmother Anna's arrival in America from Russia. When Anna grows out of her dress and babushka - the only things she has left from Russia - her mother and the neighborhood ladies create a quilt using the babushka as the border.
Through five generations, the quilt serves many purposes - a blanket, a tablecloth for holiday celebrations and even a wedding chuppah (canopy).
This is a beautiful story about tradition, family and love that is brought to life with endearing drawings of a loving family relishing life with this colorful quilt at the center.
This book is recommended for ages 4-8.
"The God Around Us Volume II: The Valley of Blessings" by Mira Pollack Brichto, illustrated by Selina Alko (UAHC Press, $12.95 hardcover)
The second in a two-volume series, this is a book of blessings for young Jewish children. Each page begins with a poem, followed by a blessing in English, Hebrew and a transliteration, alongside a colorful illustration.
Each of the blessings corresponds to a part of a child's daily life and the volume as a whole would make perfect bedtime reading for a preschooler and parent.
This book is recommended for ages 2-7.
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