Customer Reviews

Hanukkah at Valley Forge

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Based on some historical evidence, this inspiring story relates how, in the middle of winter at Valley Forge, General George Washington meets a Jewish soldier; an immigrant from Poland who is celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. As the soldier retells the Hanukkah story to the general, Washington's faith is renewed, and he begins to believe in the possibility that his ragtag army can also win against a larger foe. He says to the soldier, "We too have a cruel enemy who leaves us only with the choice of brave resistance or abject submission." Greg Harlin's beautiful watercolor illustrations bring this poignant tale to life. Children will be proud to know that a chance encounter with a Jewish soldier may have given General Washington the courage to continue the battle for independence of the United States. For ages 7 - 10. Reviewed by Diane Rauchwerger

When General George Washington encounters a Jewish soldier lighting the Hanukkah candles, he learns about the Maccabee's fight for freedom and how it relates to his own fight for liberty during the Revolutionary War. The dark, somber illustrations in blue tones depict the cold, bitter conditions at Valley Forge. The explanation of the Hanukkah story is effectively differentiated from the rest of the narrative using a yellow background. The author's note explains the origins of this historical anecdote and its sources. This is a beautiful and accessible way to remind readers of the Jewish presence and involvement in early American history and about the commonalities between Jewish and American beliefs and values.

My colleagues and I absolutely loved this book. I teach 4th grade religious school at my temple, and I read this book to my class at Hanukkah. It was well received. They loved the illustrations and it provoked discussion about Jewish and American history. I donated the book to the Hebrew School library because I wanted as many people to share it as possible.

We don't ever hear about Jews in the REvolutionary times, but there were many of them. Like the Puritans in England and Holland, many Jews emigrated to the New World escape the thumb of religious authorities in Europe. This book chronicles an enounter between General Washington and one of his Jewish soldiers at Hanakkah.

Even though it is Jewish, we find it ideal for Christian homeschoolers as well. Our kids (ages 3-6) are unfamiliar with other religions. However, they are familiar with the Bible, and as a result, know quite a bit about the ancient Jews. Specifically, Hanukkah is known to them as part of Jewish history.

We used this book when studying the American Revolution. It made an excellent connection between our ancient history Bible studies and our "modern" history studies. It opened discussions of why America was founded, what "freedom" really means... these are difficult, abstract concepts to a small child. So here is a real-life example of "freedom of religion".

We have lots of books on American revolutionary history that we read at the 4th of July period. Now we also have one to read at Christmas too.

The story of Hanukkah at Valley Forge is a good read. This book is for readers 7-10. Very beautifully illustrated book, I was wondering where I can order the picture towards the end of the story of the people looking up at the Temple menorah.

Most stories that bring history to life are okay in my book, but this one which blends the American Revolution with a much more ancient rebellion, is excellent. Within, George Washington, while looking out over his suffering troops at Valley Forge, sees a light burning in one shelter and finds a young Jewish soldier celebrating the first day of Hanukkah. The tale is based on the journal entry of a young woman who dined with George Washington a year later. He related such an event during the meal.

Hanukkah is celebrated annually by millions of Jews all around the globe. It commemorates the successful Maccabean Rebellion. In the 167 BC, Judea was under Greek rule. The Jewish temple was ransacked, and the emperor forbade the Jews from worshipping according to their custom. A small band of Jewish peasants fought back and drove out the mighty oppressors. Then the temple was purified and rededicated, and the lampstand that was never supposed to go out was relit, though they only had enough oil to last one day. According to tradition, however, the oil lasted eight days, until more was found. Today, the Jewish people commemorate these events by lighting candles each evening of this eight-day holiday, which usually falls in December (this year Dec. 21-28).

In Hanukkah at Valley Forge, Krensky aligns the Jewish and American rebellions. The stories run parallel to each other, one on blue pages, the other on yellow. They are strikingly similar. In the end, George Washington draws a measure of hope from the ancient tale.

This is a fantastic book from several angles. My son and I read it this year in conjunction with a Revolutionary War history unit. It's also a great way to become familiar with another culture. But my son and I especially liked it because our family studied Hanukkah two years ago and we've celebrated it ever since. No, we're not Jewish, but it's a fun family holiday, and the Christian faith shares a history with the Jewish people.

Regardless of your religion, this beautifully-illustrated, cleverly-crafted picture book is a worthwhile read. I would recommend a third or fourth grade audience to fully grasp the historical and political comparisons made within.

Excellent personal connection for the American Revolution, helps to bring a seasonal reality to the experiences of the troops during the Revolutionary War.

I was looking for a Chanukah book to read to my daughters very diverse kindergarten class (she is the only Jewish chid in the class). This book fit the bill. It is really excellent, inspiring and well-written. Also, it explains Chanukah well and appeals to any fair and freedom-loving person. It is wonderful to think that this miracle also inspired our first president George Washington when he really needed it!