THE YANKEE AT THE SEDER

On the first night of Passover, days after the Civil War has ended, Jacob sits on his porch snacking on a piece of matzoh. When Yankee soldier Myer Levy wanders by and notices him, he wishes Jacob a good holiday and asks if he might share. Surprised and a bit fearful, Jacob runs inside to inform his mother “there’s a...a Yankee Jew outside!” Putting politics and war aside and following Jewish tradition, Jacob’s mother invites Levy to join the family’s seder. Weber’s story is based on true events and explores the paradox and controversy of owning slaves for wealthy Southern Jews. Using the framework of the traditional Four Questions, the narrative ignites a dialogue between Myer and his host, Mr. Josephson, drawing a connection between the holiday’s celebration of freedom from slavery and the underlying cause of the Civil War. The handsome design features decoratively framed text boxes opposite Gustavson’s expressive, realistic oil paintings. Should spark discussion around the seder table and in classrooms of history. (glossary, historical notes) (Picture book/religion. 7-10)