"While it may not be our job to complete a task, we are obligated to try." Even if you are a child, and the task is freeing a political prisoner in the Soviet Union -- which is obviously much too big for you.

Great children's book. It has wonderful illustrations and shares a nice story about Jewish history. ( )

This book had beautiful pictures. They were eye catching to the children I shared it with. They really seems to like the pastel colors. As for the text it was a really wonderful way to share some Jewish history. I would suggest this for sharing with young children.

Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld's book An Extra Seat is a book that honors Jewish pride and support for the community. The story tells of how children are informed of a political injustice and stand against them.

From 1977 to 1986, Anatoly Sharansky was imprisoned for attempting to flee the Soviet Union for Israel, a crime at that time. Rabbi Weiss tells the congregation they must pray for their brother and support him. They must go to stand in protest, shouting "Let my people go" as Moses had to Pharaoh.

The children take things further by placing an extra chair at dinner time and during holiday celebrations. They wanted to do their part and that's what I appreciated most about An Extra Seat. It showed that you can do more than just stand and yell. Sometimes, the smallest action can bring peace and joy to a situation. Avital Sharansky even states how her husband would be happy with their actions.

I believe the actions in this book are not solely for the Jewish, but for all people. The love and support and the act of standing in the gap should be shared by all. Lovely story.

*Full Review: www.areneehunt.com
An Extra Seat
Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld
Illustrations by J. B. & C. B. Herzfeld
Gefen Publishing House
August 2016 ( )

My favorite part of this book was the illustrations. The illustrations were a a mix of art and real photographs, which demonstrated that there was a grain of truth to the story. I thought that the story clearly demonstrated that it is important to care about all people, especially those who are imprisoned for their beliefs. I found it interesting that the book emphasized children activists, considering very few picture books do. It sends the message that all children can change the world in both small and large ways, if only they take a moment and try.