New Releases by Barbara Diamond Goldin

An evocative retelling of a classic Jewish tale by I. L. Peretz – one of the greatest classical Yiddish writers of all time, perfect for ages 4 to 8. Jonah and Rebecca have fallen on hard times and as Passover approaches, they cannot afford any of the things they need to celebrate the festival. “God will come to our aid,” Jonah insists, even on Seder night as the house is dark and his table empty. When a magician knocks on their door asking to join their Seder, they are unable to oblige, but the stranger is undeterred. “I have brought the Seder with me” he claims, snapping his fingers to produce two lit candlesticks. At the magician’s command, the house is transformed, and the table is laid with everything Rebecca and Jonah could need for a perfect Seder and a fabulous Passover feast. But is this all a magician’s illusion or could it be the heavenly intervention by the prophet Elijah? The Magician’s Visit has been adapted from a classic folktale by I. L. Peretz – one of the greatest Yiddish writers of all time. Written by acclaimed children’s author Barbara Diamond Goldin and with beautiful new illustrations by award-winning illustrator Eva Sánchez Gómez, this is a spellbinding retelling of a much-loved tale.

"A grandmother shares stories with her grandaughter about how she used to celebrated Purim in the old country, Iran"--Provided by publisher.

Old Testament stories center around men. Leaders, prophets, kings, and priests are all male. But hidden in the background are strong-willed, daring females. Jane Yolen and Barbara Diamond Goldin''s masterful retellings pairs eloquent profiles with stunning art, answering one question: What makes these women heroes? From first woman, Eve, to Deborah the judge, to Queen Esther, savior of her people, females in the Hebrew bible are resourceful and courageous. Each chapter is devoted to a single story with text complemented by sidebars, known in Jewish tradition as "midrashim," that pose questions, provide more information, and include nondenominational interpretations. "A much-needed, thoughtful updating of Bible stories about women" — Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW) "A solid source of study and reflection for libraries with religious patrons" — School Library Journal "Each chapter features a lovely full-page piece of artwork" — Booklist

Until last year, Jacob and his family had lived in Russia, where he and his friends would run in and out of each other''s homes, one house right next to the other. But now his family had moved to Argentina, and to Jacob, it seemed that friends were harder to find in this new land. Could his new friend Benito join them for the seder? Would he? Could a Passover meal here in Arentina with cowboys, ponchos, chickens, and horses feel like home, too?

The children save the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.

Young, blind Hershel finds that he has special gifts he can use to help his mother during the Jewish holiday of Purim. Includes author''s notes about the holiday and its origins.

When the Knoodle family tries to follow their rabbi''s advice about giving the perfect gift, everything goes wrong and their Hanukkah seems ruined until the rabbi comes to straighten things out.

Award-winning storyteller Barbara Diamond Goldin has collected and retold twenty-four stories about tzedakah in this inspiring volume. Some of these stories are based on oral tales, like "The Two Beggars," which is from Afghanistan, and "The Rabbi''s Blessing," which is from Tunisia. Some stories, like "A Town of Baruchs" and "The Rabbi and the Rag Dealer" are Hasidic in origin, while others, like "Ox and Herbs" and "The Two Keys," are from much older sources. Some of the stories are based on midrashic tales. The Hebrew word tzedakah is often translated as "charity," but it actually means "justice" or "righteousness." According to the Jewish Sages, tzedakah means we have an obligation to give to those in need, not only when we are feeling generous, but on a regular basis. Barbara Diamond Goldin has brought these stories of tzedakah together in the hope that they will inspire the young and the old, the rich and the poor, to give to those in need and to adopt a righteous sensibility and sensitivity akin to the commandment of performing acts of loving-kindness. By performing these mitzvoth, we all engage in tikkun olam, repair of the world, and, according to the Sages, each good deed we perform in the physical world creates an angel in the metaphysical world. This book should encourage readers to create their own angels and to recapture the significance of the mitzvah of tzedakah to the Jewish community, even to the world, today.

This collection gives the reader a taste of the thousands of stories one can find in the treasure house of rabbinic literature. Some of these stories are humorous, some mysteriuos, some tense with drama or adventure, some filled with the joy of a miracle and the beauty of faith. All of these stories come from either the Talmud or the Midrash. This collection shows that these rabbinical stories are not old and outdated, but alive and timeless, for future generations to continue to enjoy.

Freedom, faith, courage--these are just some of the concepts at the heart of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. Noted storyteller Barbara Diamond Goldin offers eight stories, some original and some traditional, that range from many countries and centuries to reflect the significance of the holiday. With one story for each night of Hanukkah, this collection can be shared while the Hanukkah candles burn...and all year long.

A history and description of the bat mitzvah, the ceremony in which a Jewish girl marks her transition to adulthood.

A young boy learns about the meaning of Sukkot while overcoming his fear of the dark. Includes information on the history and customs of Sukkot.

Daniel is determined to have a birthday party for the world to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

The author provides an understanding of the rituals and symbols of Passover, as well as an appreciation of their historical context. Step-by-step, she takes young readers through the Seder, the special ritual meal, and offers songs, games, and stories to both read and act. Full color.

Twelve-year-old Jin Mun, working for his father''s laundry in San Francisco Chinatown, is shocked to discover that one of his neighbors is a slave girl, forbidden to leave her house.

With Hanukkah about to begin, Malka is worried because her family is so poor, but when a poor stranger comes to the door, her generous family cannot turn him away.

Presents stories of heroic individuals from the Talmud and Midrash.