WONDERS AND MIRACLES

Kimmel compiles a beautiful celebration of Passover, one of the most observed holidays on the Jewish calendar, with contributions by some well-known authors such as Nina Jaffe and Rachel Pomerantz. He weaves highlights of history, ritual, and customs of the annual spring feast throughout a simplified Haggadah (the Seder Book), using stories, song, poetry, prayers, and some exquisite facsimile artwork. Taking readers through the traditional 14 portions of the Seder (festival service and meal), he outlines the legendary biblical exodus with the ceremonial prayers and readings, and includes a historical perspective on how the timeless service has evolved and changed over the last 3,000 years from both the Ashkenazic (Eastern European) and Sephardic (Spanish and Middle Eastern) cultures. Handsomely designed with colorful reproductions embellished with red and gold-leaf chapter headings and borders, this informative and interesting volume is one to own and bring to the Seder table for generations to come. Detailed index, bibliography, and artwork credits appended. A truly wonderful and outstanding achievement. (Nonfiction. All ages)