YOSSI TRIES TO HELP GOD

by Miriam Chaikin ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1987

In her third book about Yossi, Chaikin once again uses a simple, evocative story to make a spiritual point specific to Hasidic Judaism, but relevant to all. As they observe havdalah, the closing ceremony of the Sabbath, Yossi and his family notice that his younger sister, Rivkaleh, is unusually quiet. She is, in fact, ill with a throat infection, which worries Yossi all through the next school day, despite the fact that his religion teaches him to place his trust, and worries, in God's hands. As a result, he is so inspired by a story about a peacemaker that he attempts to make peace between two schoolmates in an effort to do a good deed, thus creating an angel to help his sister. His plan backfires, and the Rebbe explains his error: his deed springs from his worry about his sister, not from his desire to help his friends. It is the Rebbe's true act as a peacemaker that demonstrates to Yossi the idea of the story and, perhaps, creates an angel as well. Chaikin continues her tradition of beautifully observed, believably portrayed details about the way of life of the Orthodox Jews, combined with a deeply felt story about a boy who could belong to any faith. Her new illustrator is not quite the equal of Mathers, but sustains the feeling nevertheless. Useful, entertaining and thoughtful reading for the middle-grader.

Pub Date: April 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 80

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S