Elijah's Tears: Stories for the Jewish Holidays (Redfeather Books) [Hardcover]

Sydelle Pearl (Author), Rossitza Skortcheva Penney (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Series: Redfeather Books

These five original stories, each linked to an important Jewish holiday, feature the prophet Elijah-the beloved folk character who is known for magically appearing to those in great need.Richly illustrated and beautifully written this collection provides a wonderful introduction to the prophet Elijah-the great messenger of God for the Jewish people.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In a lively, storytelling style, Elijah's Tears offers a dramatic human context to the many Jewish holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. Five stories illuminate the many faces and mysteries of Elijah, the Jewish prophet who is known for appearing in disguise and testing the character of those in need. In "Leaves," a destitute elderly couple is heartbroken when they must sell their sacred Shabbat candlesticks for food. That evening when the husband and wife encounter an even poorer Jewish man wearing torn, shabby clothes, they offer to mend his garments. They even keep him warm in their bed while they sew (since the man owns no other clothes). Of course the mysterious man turns out to be Elijah, and he rewards the couple as he walks away by turning his footprints into leaves of gold. The ethereal figures and Jewish symbols in Rossitza Skortcheva Penney's black-and-white illustrations seem to float upon the pages, bringing even more celestial imagery and magic to the elusive Elijah. Children love folktales that allow good deeds to be rewarded, especially when the rewards come from unexpected characters. (Great read aloud, ages 7 and older) --Gail Hudson

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4?The prophet Elijah is the unifying persona of these five original stories set during four Jewish holidays: Passover, Succot, Hanukkah, and Yom Kippur. Although he is traditionally associated with Passover, Elijah is commanded by God to search for piety and good deeds all through the year. In each selection, he enables those with spiritual needs to find divine inspiration and rewards in their daily lives. The occasional pen-and-ink drawings are sketchy at best. Howard Schwartz and Barbara Rush's The Wonder Child & Other Jewish Fairy Tales (1996) or The Diamond Tree (1991, both HarperCollins) are more effective for reading aloud and sharing the spirit of Jewish life. Barbara Diamond Goldin's The Magician's Visit (Viking, 1993) and Uri Shulevitz's The Magician (Macmillan, 1973; o.p.) are more beautifully realized stories about the prophet.?Susan Pine, New York Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 63 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holth & Co (J); 1st edition (May 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805046275
• ISBN-13: 978-0805046274
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,127,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Suitable and entertaining reading for all ages, April 12, 2004

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elijah's Tears (Hardcover)

Winner of the 1997 Storytelling World Award, Elijah's Tears: Stories For The Jewish Holidays is a collection of five original tales by Sydelle Pearl, each of which is connected to an important Jewish holiday and features the prophet Elijah, a biblical figure who is well known in Judaic folklore for magically appearing to those in great danger. Simple, black-and-white sketches by Rossitza Skortcheva fully complement this engaging collection which is especially recommended for young people, yet is suitable and entertaining reading for all ages.