Sadie's Lag Ba'Omer Mystery

April 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 2-Sadie and Ori are back, in this gentle series that explains and celebrates Jewish holidays. This story acknowledges the minor status of Lag Ba'Omer, inviting readers to learn about it as the characters do. The siblings demonstrate solid research skills as they try to learn about the holiday by looking in books, seeking holiday-related ritual objects, and asking experts. Grandpa finally explains the holiday's history and customs, and the family gathers to celebrate. The kid-centric approach and Grandpa's storytelling make the holiday very understandable. The whimsical paintings are bright and friendly; a charming detail is the inclusion of real Jewish children's books in the scene where Sadie and Ori explore their bookshelves. While the students of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai were young men and boys, the illustrations of Grandpa's historical flashback show biblical scenes of shaggy-haired children in tunics, allowing modern readers to imagine a more palatably mixed-gender group of children if they wish. The dearth of Lag Ba'Omer books would make this a welcome addition in any case; luckily, the book is also charming and accessible. An endnote provides additional information about the holiday. Even for Jewish readers, familiarity with the holiday is not assumed, making this book a solid introduction to the topic for readers of all backgrounds.-Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2014
One full moon in spring heralds a Jewish holiday that is not familiar to the savvy Sadie but has its own reason for celebration. At school, Sadie learned that Jewish holidays often begin with a full moon. What spring holiday is forthcoming after Purim and Passover? Curious, Sadie reads the calendar and learns it is something called Lag Ba'Omer. What's that all about? She explores the house with her little sister and finds only items related to Rosh Hashanah, Simhat Torah, Hanukkah, Passover and Shabbat. Stumped, she begins to question everyone, including family members and the parcel delivery man (who must know all about holidays). Her grandfather finally tells her that this new holiday is not about presents, might involve picnics, songs and campfires, and of course includes delicious food. She's still mystified, so he tells a story about an ancient rabbi who was forbidden by the Romans to teach and study Torah and so did it secretly in a cave. Lag Ba'Omer is a day dedicated to his steadfast bravery. It is remembered with picnics, bonfires, singing and storytelling and usually celebrated between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot. The evenly told story is laced with mild suspense. It is coupled with cheery illustrations that include carefully placed details that indicate the centrality of faith to this suburban family. A welcoming introduction to an often overlooked minor holiday. (author's note) (Picture book/religion. 3-6)

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