Elka Weber

The Civil War is over, and ten-year-old Jacob is disappointed at the fact that he no longer has the opportunity to become a Confederate general, and to fight the Yankees. Then one day, right before Passover, a Yankee comes to his very door, asking to share a bite of his matzoh. Invited to the Josephson family's seder, Corporal Myer Levy of Philadelphia expands Jacob's worldview somewhat, through his very presence, and through his discussions of the meaning of Passover, with Jacob's father and grandfather. Although they disagree on many things, this Southern Jewish family and their Northern guest part amicably, and a year later, when times are hard, the Josephsons receive an unexpected gift...

The story in The Yankee at the Seder is a true one, retold by the real-life Corporal Levy to his family in Philadelphia, after he returned home from the Civil War. It highlights a number of interesting themes, from the idea that it is possible for co-religionists to have very different views of the world, and to approach the same issue - in this case, the cause of the American Civil War - from very different perspectives, to the notion that it is possible to put aside deeply-held differences, at least temporarily, in order to find common ground. Elka Weber's story here is engaging and well-told, and her afterword, which includes photographs of Levy and of his sword, provides more background information. The accompanying artwork from Adam Gustavson, done in oil paint, is likewise appealing, and ably captures the tension at the seder table, as the discussion turns to Passover, and the questions of tyrannical governments and slavery. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for historical stories, either set at Passover, or concerning the American Civil War.… (mehr)

The flyleaf indicates a theme is “what it means to be free” and the story takes place right after the civil war, about a young Jewish boy who lives in the South. Through the story, it explains the traditions of Passover and Seder and weaves a beautifully crafted story of a Yankee soldier spending the Jewish holiday with a southern family. The story addresses assumptions, prejudice, bravery and acceptance. The gem of the story is the two pages at the end of the book that give actual historical facts about the man, Myer Samuel Levy, who inspired the story!… (mehr)