Bat Mitzvah: A Jewish Girl's Coming of Age [Hardcover]

Barbara Diamond Goldin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1995 | Age Level: 10 and up

Examines the role of women in Judaism by celebrating the recent tradition of the Bat Mitzvah ceremony, begun in 1922, with real-life stories of girls and women in their own voices. By the author of Just Enough Is Plenty.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the same format as Eric Kimmel's Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah: A Jewish Girl's Coming of Age by Barbara Diamond Goldin, illus. by Erika Weihs, provides far more than an explanation of a ceremony. About half the book is devoted to a thoughtful overview of Jewish women's history, starting with biblical times; the remainder discusses the bat mitzvah, exploring the elements of the ceremony, its evolution since it was first performed in 1922, and its impact on a variety of women (Viking, $14.99, 160p, ages 10-13 ISBN 0-670-86034-4, Oct.).
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8?The book to read on the subject. Many of today's Jewish girls are unaware that their right to have a bat-mitzvah ceremony is of comparatively recent origin. In Part I, Goldin relates this bit of lore as well as stories of women in Jewish history from the biblical period to the 1700s. Part II consists of explanations of the preparation, the ceremony, the celebrations (some quite unique), and the aftermath. This is also a book of religious introspection, philosophy, psychology, and sociology regarding the meaning and accomplishment of bat mitzvah. Attractive black-and-white scratchboard drawings depicting various appropriate scenes adorn the text. With today's multiple expressions of being Jewish, intermingled families, divorces, and wide social circles, the book should have broad appeal, as it touches on each situation. Anecdotes from 25 girls and their families make this title, along with Eric Kimmel's Bar Mitzvah (Viking, 1995), an insightful addition to all collections.?Marcia W. Posner, Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center of Nassau County, Glen Cove, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile (October 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670860344
• ISBN-13: 978-0670860340
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,947,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara Diamond Goldin has written picture books, story collections, non-fiction, retellings, and historical fiction. In 1997, she received the prestigious Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries. This award is presented to the author whose collected works are a distinguished contribution to Jewish literature for children. "Goldin's consistently commendable and recommendable books combine talented writing, solid research, personal commitment and deep caring".

Barbara is currently a children's librarian. She also leads writing workshops and speaks about being a writer to school and library groups all over the country.

For ten years she taught language arts and creative writing to 5th through 8th graders and for eleven years before that she was a preschool teacher. Her B.A. is in psychology from the University of Chicago and she did post-graduate work in teaching and school library media at Western Washington University and Boston University.

Barbara Diamond Goldin says, "As a child, I was an avid reader, letter-writer, and frequenter of the public library. When I reached babysitting age, I discovered I loved making up and telling stories to my charges who would ask to have me back so they could hear the sequels to my stories. Later as an adult I turned the stories I told into written stories.

"When writing, I dig into my past, my childhood, my family, and my personal experiences for material. I also research my subjects thoroughly and feel this adds depth to what I write. I love folklore and religion and the psychology of why people act the way they do. I find that often during the process of writing, I touch on questions and feelings that are closest to me.

"My ideas often come from my own past and my family's past, from experiences I have had and from conversations I overhear or participate in. The ideas can also come from dreams and visual images that pop into my mind, sometimes while I'm driving. Then I have to pull over, get out my pencil and paper and write feverishly, hoping I'll be able to read my handwriting later.

"My favorite place to work is in the college library near my house. I always heave a sigh of relief when I step into the peace and quiet of the library, knowing I have a few uninterrupted hours of writing ahead of me.

"I still love to write and research and discover new worlds on paper. I even discover things about myself and my family. Writing is an exciting process for me. I'm never certain when I sit down to write what the next few hours will bring."