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.
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