A new folktale brimming with old country taam in its story line and illustrations rises from the realities of shtetl life’s too close quarters. Rooted in the cycle of annoyances that expand from angry grievances into an explosion beyond the repair of anything but true love, this offbeat, brisk story incorporates families, romantic youths, rabbis, and Passover Seders. The setting in a village that was sometimes Poland, sometimes Russia reflects historical realities. After years of shared Seders, neighbors Galinsky and Lippa argue, then cut each other off to the point where they shut windows and cut new doors so they do not have to see one another. Alas, their children wish to marry. How to bring the families together when no one even recalls the truth of the argument’s claims? The wise rabbi to the rescue with his wonderful idea of expanding the Seder guest list until it is so big, tables must be set outside each house until they meet in the middle where the rabbi and lovers will sit, thus reuniting the feuding folk. But what to do when they reach Elijah’s appearance in the service? Unlock the unused door! Thus begins a new tradition of an annual Seder set at one table in two houses with three doors, celebrating love and family, and honoring the prophet through the now famous Elijah door. Linoleum block plates reveal the poor shtetl, its angry inhabitants, as well as wise ones, loving ones, and everyday ones. The tale unfolds with wit and charm while it shares with children the power of love and tradition. Recommended at Passover or any time romance is in the air for readers age 5 – 8.
Reading Guide
Ellen G. Cole, a retired librarian of the Levine Library of Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles, is a past judge of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards and a past chairperson of that committee. She is a co-author of the AJL guide, Excellence in Jewish Children’s Literature. Ellen is the recipient of two major awards for contribution to Judaic Librarianship, the Fanny Goldstein Merit Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries and the Dorothy Schroeder Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries of Southern California. She is on the board of AJLSC.
