HANUKKAH: The Festival of Lights

by Jenny Koralek ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1990

Wijngaard's richly detailed illustrations, formally framed in architectural borders, lend an atmosphere of historical drama and reverence to this handsomely illustrated account of the origins of Hanukkah. But, unfortunately, both text and illustrations are marred by inaccuracies. Koralek writes of Judah the Maceabee as if ""Maccabee,"" meaning ""the Hammer,"" were part of his given name rather than the nickname awarded because of his skill as a soldier. The menorah is repeatedly confused with the eternal light that is a symbol of the Jews' covenant with God; rather than the eternal light, the soldiers here steal--and the Jews later rekindle--a seven-branched menorah, shown with all its branches burning for the miraculous eight days. An elegant, dramatic presentation of Hanukkah's origins, but one that is likely to prove unacceptable to many Jewish readers.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S