Cathy Goldberg Fishman

Like the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar, which begins each year on September 1, the Jewish liturgical calendar begins on Rosh HaShanah, which usually falls in September based on the Jewish lunar calendar. The Biblical traditions of Yom Kippur, as presented in the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament, can no longer be celebrated because the Jewish Temple has been destroyed and the Ark of the Covenant with it's Conciliatory Covering is no longer in the Jewish people's possession. Like the Sunday of the Last Judgment and Forgiveness Vespers, Yom Kippur is a time of examining oneself, forgiving, and asking to be forgiven. It should not surprise us that these elements are present in both Judaism and Orthodox Christianity because Orthodox Christianity is a continuation of Judaism which has been transfigured by the Advent of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.… (more)

An accurate portrayal of the mitzvot and customs (minhagim) involved in the celebration of Purim, along with a synopsis of the Purim story. Excellent, colorful illustrations. By 2000, when the book was written, we might expect a more appropriate description of King Ahasuerus than "a silly king who partied all the time." (After all, this is the king who banishes his wife for not displaying her naked body at his drunken bash, then holds a beauty pageant to select the next member of his harem, and then agrees to kill all of the Jews in his kingdom until Esther steps in to intervene. I am not suggesting that these details be included in this picture book but rather that there be some indication that the king is at the very least, ignoble.) Dressing as "gypsies" is also an insensitivity that could easily have been avoided. Still, a good, simple book about Purim. - Marla S.… (more)