|
|
August 10, 2001/Av 21, 5761, Vol. 53, No.44
Rabbi abuses power in teen novel
BETH OLSON
Staff Writer
"The Primrose Path" by Carol Matas (Bain & Cox Publishers, $7.95 paperback)
This interesting yet disturbing novel explores the painful experiences of a Jewish teen, Debbie Mazer. The book opens with Debbie seeking the advice of her rabbi about the discord in her home - her father is never home, her parents are always fighting and she fears they will divorce. After being reassured by the rabbi, she goes home only to find that her maternal grandmother has died.
Additional tension is added to Debbie's life when her father accepts a job offer and she is forced to move to a new town with her family. Debbie, who had always been active in her Reform synagogue, is now sent to an Orthodox private school. Resistant at first, she is quickly accepted into the circle of friends at her family's new shul. As Debbie and her mother become increasingly observant, her father becomes increasingly resistant - and refuses to become involved in their new life.
Though she has found a place where she feels love and acceptance, Debbie becomes distraught when her new rabbi, Rabbi Werner, engages in disturbing behavior. What starts as improper jokes in the classroom quickly turns to inappropriate touching and sexual abuse.
When Debbie exposes the rabbi, she is immediately shunned by a community that adores Rabbi Werner - including her own mother. What follows is an unsettling look at what happens when a charismatic and popular leader abuses his power with people of all ages in his congregation.
The most disturbing part of this story is the way in which the Orthodox Jews are portrayed. Debbie's Reform rabbi is wise and kind and her Reform friend is sweet, while her Orthodox rabbi is dark and abusive and her Orthodox friends are cruel.
Some important issues for parents and teens to discuss after reading this book are abuse of power, being open and honest with family members, the author's use of stereotyping and how to deal with inappropriate or unwanted behavior from others. This novel is recommended for ages 13 and up.
"Seven Animal Stories for Children" retold by Howard I. Bogot and Mary K. Bogot, illustrated by Harry Araten (Pitspopany Press, $16.95 hardcover)
This collection of stories serves as a lesson in values. Each story is tied to a theme: respect, modesty, gratitude, friendship, responsibility, attitude and honesty.
Following each story, told in language any preschooler will understand, are three questions titled "Thinking Thoughts" that provide parents or teachers with a starting point for age-appropriate discussion on the given topic. The big, bold illustrations will draw the attention of young children.
This picture book is recommended for ages 3-6.
"Jonah and the Whale" by Geoffrey Patterson (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, $14 hardcover)
This is a simply told version of the story of Jonah from the Old Testament. The illustrations and uncomplicated text will appeal to very young children and can lead to a parent-child discussion about obeying God's word.
This picture book is recommended for ages 2-5.
|
