Built by Angels: The Story of the Old-New Synagogue [Hardcover]

Mark Podwal MD (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

As legend tells it, the Old-New Synagogue in Prague was built by angels, and later was home to a golem who remains locked away in the building to this day. In lyrical prose, Mark Podwal shares the story of the world's oldest active synagogue, which was completed in 1270. Throughout the years, this sacred place of prayer and celebration has endured plagues, wars, and the Nazi regime. Its story is part legend, part history, and one that stands as a testament to the perseverance of the Jewish people. Includes an author's note and bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A beautiful, Impressionistic introduction to a portion of Judaic lore and a European architectural marvel."--Kirkus

 "I've never seen Prague in such luminous colors . . . Prague with wings . . . flying, floating, reaching the sky. The simple fact is that it is a glorious book."--Peter Sis

About the Author

MARK PODWAL is the author and illustrator of numerous books, including Jerusalem Sky: Stars, Crosses, and Crescents; A Sweet Year: A Taste of the Jewish Holidays; and The Menorah Story. He has received awards from the Society of Illustrators and the Jewish Book Council, his drawings have appeared in the New York Times for more than thirty years, and his work is represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum, among many others. He lives in New York, where he also practices medicine.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (April 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152066780
• ISBN-13: 978-0152066789
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 7.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,377,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Built by Angels, September 11, 2009

By 

Jewish Book World Magazine (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Built by Angels: The Story of the Old-New Synagogue (Hardcover)

Podwal conveys the history and legends associated with the Old-New Synagogue (the Alteneuschul) in Prague, the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe built in 1270. The lyrical text evokes lovely images, describing the "square stones, round stones, stone doors, stone floors, stones carved like leaves, others like grapes, all brought by angels." The spare, poetic style creates a sense of mystery; this may be appropriate to the setting but can also leave the reader bewildered by a lack of substance. For instance, Podwal mentions an afikomen that hangs in the synagogue which is said to have special protective powers and also mentions but does not describe the many miracles that have saved the synagogue from ruin over the years. The story of the Golem gets only minimal coverage. These hints at deeper stories leave the book with an unresolved feeling. Podwal's surreal paintings are full of rich color and a great sense of movement. However, they do little to enhance the text or to create a sense of place. The descriptions of the synagogue's stones and interior decorations would have been better served by more realistic and detailed pictures of this unusual setting. An author's note at the end of the book disentangles some of the myths and history associated with the Old-New Synagogue, and provides additional information. A short bibliography suggests adult sources for further reading. There are few picture books that focus on synagogues. Although the text and illustrations within this book fall short in some instances, both are created with skill. The title will be a welcome addition to Judaic collections. In terms of format the book is well suited to grades K-3, but the combination of history and legend may also appeal to older children and even teens. Heidi Estrin

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful and inspirational book, October 11, 2009

By 

Sheri Koones - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Built by Angels: The Story of the Old-New Synagogue (Hardcover)

As is true of all of Podwal's books, this one is beautifully illustrated, inspirational and educational as well.