February 17, 2014
This is essentially an extended travel brochure for the Adventure Rabbi Program, founded by author Korngold, which sponsors seders in the Utah desert. It’s told in the voice of a young participant, who works quite hard (one senses the grownup mind at work) to connect her fellow REI-equipped sojourners to their ancient ancestors: “The sun is hot and I get thirsty.... Now I understand how important water was for the Israelites.” But armchair travelers should enjoy taking in the photos of the magnificent red rock formations (one of the famous arches plays a recurring role in the story) and seeing how modern-day Jews come together for a day of hiking, dancing, prayer, and—of course—eating. Ages 3–8.
April 1, 2014
PreS-Gr 2-"Adventure Rabbi" Korngold takes groups out into the Moab Desert in Utah each year for a "Seder in the Desert." This picture book documents the adventure with bright, clear photographs of participants hiking, setting up the Passover seder, and celebrating the holiday. Narrated by a nameless child, the simple text explains the connections between the Israelites' desert sojourn in biblical times and the modern desert experience. Passover symbols and customs are explained in a basic and kid-friendly way. The depiction of participants reciting Havdalah, an activity that typically marks the end of Sabbath and certain holidays, may be confusing to some readers. However, the inclusion of Havdalah could be a good jumping-off point to discuss how holidays of the Jewish lunar calendar move around on the Gregorian calendar. Familiarity with Passover is assumed, making the book best suited to Jewish readers or other audiences with awareness of the holiday's customs. The unusual setting is intriguing, and the obvious joy of the participants is infectious. Readers will wish to join future expeditions with Rabbi Korngold or to emulate her with their own picnic seders. A welcome addition to Jewish or general holiday collections.-Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
March 1, 2014
Expressive, beautiful color photography forms the visual storytelling accompaniment to this modern-day communal Seder in the desert in Moav, Utah. "Why is this seder different from all others?" Beginning with a slightly altered question from the traditional "Why is this night different...," readers are taken through a re-enactment of the Israelites' desert journey as participants in the Adventure Rabbi Program celebrate Passover. The program seeks to "[combine] the ancient traditions of the Jewish Seder with the inspiration of the Red Rock Desert." Author and rabbi Korngold, spiritual leader of the program, simply and effectively demonstrates how the traditional concepts of the holiday are maintained through this unusual event, which emphasizes experiential learning. With stunning natural scenery as a backdrop, families hike, carry Seder necessities including a torah and Haggadot for children, and set a table on the sandy ground complete with the special ceremonial foods. There, they read, learn and debate the story of the Exodus, eat together, sing and dance. Before nightfall, they reverse their trip, closing with a campfire gathering. The focus of this distinctive approach is on examining how and why the Seder is celebrated rather than on retelling the familiar story. Lovely, different and yet familiar. (author's note) (Picture book/religion. 5-8)
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July 1, 2014
The narrator describes what it's like to have a Passover seder in a desert setting "just like the Israelites." The plain text and accompanying photographs serve as an advertisement for the author's Adventure Rabbi program (with information about it included at the end); however, the photos of the many people participating, particularly the kids, make it look like a good time.
(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)