Apples and Pomegranates (High Holidays)
Grade 2-6–A guidebook for celebrating the Jewish New Year. Noting that seder means "order," and that the traditional foods are eaten in a prescribed sequence after specific blessings, the author includes a combination of both traditional Ashkenazic (Eastern European) and Sephardic (Spanish and Middle Eastern) foods symbolizing prosperity. Blessings are included for apples and honey, as well as for dates; pomegranates; green beans; pumpkin or gourd; beetroot leaves; leeks, scallions, or chives; and lettuce. Each chapter gives a history of the fruit or vegetable as related to the Talmud, the blessing, a related story, activity, recipes, and "Think" boxes offering concepts and ideas that encourage meaningful family discussions through motivating questions. Watercolors in fall hues–oranges, yellows, browns, and greens–against muted tan or gold backgrounds accentuate the ideas and stories presented. An interesting and international approach to an important holiday.–Rita Soltan, Oakland University, Rochester, MICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.