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The Yankee at the Seder
The war is over, and everyone is saying the South lost. Ten-year-old Jacob would give anything to show those Yankees that not all Confederates are ready to surrender.
He gets his chance when he sees a real, live Yankee soldier walking down his street, on leave for Passover. But before Jacob can think of a way to be brave, the Yankee asks him for a piece of his matzoh.
This true story about a Jewish Yankee soldier joining a Southern family’s Passover meal shows how common values can overcome even the most divisive differences. Gathered around the seder table, the group discusses what it means to be free--a subject as relevant today as it was during the War between the States and during the Exodus.
He gets his chance when he sees a real, live Yankee soldier walking down his street, on leave for Passover. But before Jacob can think of a way to be brave, the Yankee asks him for a piece of his matzoh.
This true story about a Jewish Yankee soldier joining a Southern family’s Passover meal shows how common values can overcome even the most divisive differences. Gathered around the seder table, the group discusses what it means to be free--a subject as relevant today as it was during the War between the States and during the Exodus.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 27, 2021
The Civil War is over, and ten-year-old Jacob is disappointed at the fact that he no longer has the opportunity to become a Confederate general, and to fight the Yankees. Then one day, right before Passover, a Yankee comes to his very door, asking to share a bite of his matzoh. Invited to the Josephson family's seder, Corporal Myer Levy of Philadelphia expands Jacob's worldview somewhat, through his very presence, and through his discussions of the meaning of Passover, with Jacob's father and grandfather. Although they disagree on many things, this Southern Jewish family and their Northern guest part amicably, and a year later, when times are hard, the Josephsons receive an unexpected gift...
The story in The Yankee at the Seder is a true one, retold by the real-life Corporal Levy to his family in Philadelphia, after he returned home from the Civil War. It highlights a number of interesting themes, from the idea that it is possible for co-religionists to have very different views of the world, and to approach the same issue - in this case, the cause of the American Civil War - from very different perspectives, to the notion that it is possible to put aside deeply-held differences, at least temporarily, in order to find common ground. Elka Weber's story here is engaging and well-told, and her afterword, which includes photographs of Levy and of his sword, provides more background information. The accompanying artwork from Adam Gustavson, done in oil paint, is likewise appealing, and ably captures the tension at the seder table, as the discussion turns to Passover, and the questions of tyrannical governments and slavery. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for historical stories, either set at Passover, or concerning the American Civil War.
The story in The Yankee at the Seder is a true one, retold by the real-life Corporal Levy to his family in Philadelphia, after he returned home from the Civil War. It highlights a number of interesting themes, from the idea that it is possible for co-religionists to have very different views of the world, and to approach the same issue - in this case, the cause of the American Civil War - from very different perspectives, to the notion that it is possible to put aside deeply-held differences, at least temporarily, in order to find common ground. Elka Weber's story here is engaging and well-told, and her afterword, which includes photographs of Levy and of his sword, provides more background information. The accompanying artwork from Adam Gustavson, done in oil paint, is likewise appealing, and ably captures the tension at the seder table, as the discussion turns to Passover, and the questions of tyrannical governments and slavery. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for historical stories, either set at Passover, or concerning the American Civil War.
April 26, 2017
I read 2 books this past weekend about celebrating Passover during the Civil War. Well, this one actually takes place just after the war had ended and a few days before Lincoln was assassinated. It's based upon a true story of how a Jewish Union soldier was invited to the seder of a Confederate family. The tension in the situation was portrayed through the narration by the young boy whose family held the seder. The best part of the story was when everyone began to realize that the story of the Hebrews escaping from slavery in Egypt had similarities to the slaves being freed in the south, a comparison that the Confederate family apparently hadn't seen before. I especially enjoyed reading at the end of the book about the real Myer Levy, the Jewish Union soldier from Philadelphia, and seeing the pictures of him and his wife, his parents, and his saber. Very nicely done, with illustrations by Adam Gustavson, whose work I like and I'd like to see more of. I do wonder, though, at the blue striped chair in one picture--is that an authentic pattern for the time period? Highly recommended!
January 13, 2012
Note: this turned into not so much a review, but rather a recap with heavy commentary.
If there is an annual award for Most Awkward Seder (and there should be, considering how tense family holidays can get) then the 1865 award most definitely went to the Josephson family of Virginia.
Elka Weber writes about a peculiar moment in time that illustrates 1.) the diversity of this nation, 2.) the unifying aspects of common ground, and 3.) the extremes of cognitive dissonance.
Based on a true story, the book begins with the narrator, ten year old Jacob, sitting on the porch and glumly eating a piece of matzoh as his mother, sister, and the family housekeeper prepare the meal. (And the fact he doesn’t lift a finger to help in the kitchen is an entirely different subject.)
So he morosely nibbles at the unleavened bread and reflects that he will never have the chance to ride off into battle and win glorious victory. Because when you’re ten, everything that takes place outside your own sphere sounds like a grand adventure, and of course you will be the hero of the war and come home loaded with medals and prizes and only the most heroic looking of non-fatal battle wounds. And this is why there will always be war – because there will always be starry eyed young kids signing up for them. Domage.
So, the “war of northern aggression” is over, General Lee has just surrendered, and the “occupiers”, i.e. Yankee soldiers, are patrolling everywhere. (Side note: 1946 was not the first time someone shouted “Yankee go home”.) Meanwhile, life goes on, and the Josephson family prepares for Passover.
In easy and short and natural-to-the-story prose, Weber has the narrator describe the preparation process for Passover, the importance of the unleavened bread, the purpose of the Haggadah, and the underlining tension of celebrating the holiday while wondering what losing the war will mean for the South in real and practical terms.
Its beautifully done – all of the history of the holiday, the customs that have evolved over the centuries, the personal traditions, the realness of his grandfather cradling a large leather bound book filled with pages written with reverence and splashed with long-ago wine stains, with everyone in the family and in town buzzing about current events – all told from the view point of a child. It’s very much any holiday recalled by any child taking place during a critical moment in history.
And all done in about two paragraphs and two illustrations. Wunderbar.
Anyway, as Jacob reflects on all this, sitting on the porch, munching on some matzoh, and who should appear?
“A real live Yankee, just walking up the street. The war might be over, but we were still plenty angry. I thought maybe I should take the barrel of rainwater at the side of the house and soak him.”
As Jacob considers this, the Yankee causally comes up the porch and wishes him a good Passover and asks for some matzoh.
Jacob, stunned, scrambles to his feet and runs into the house to shout to his mother that there is a Yankee Jew outside! I laughed, but I have to admit that I was just as stunned when I picked up this book that there were Southern Jews. Having assumptions challenged can be shocking, yes.
Jacob’s mother handles all this quite well, remembering the ancient rules of guest right (nowadays sadly almost forgotten by all three faiths that sprang from Abraham), and politely invites him to dinner.
Nettie the housemaid (legal status before the war unknown but very possible she didn’t earn wages) almost busts a gut at the fact she is serving dinner to a Yankee who is helping a southern white family celebrate the end of a period of a slavery. She, at least, appreciates the irony of it all.
The soldier, Corporal Levy, is introduced to Jacob’s father and grandfather and the three men gamely try to find something to talk about that doesn’t have to do with the war.
“And silence reigned in Heaven for thirty minutes” - Revelations 8:1
They eventually find a neutral topic in immigration history, Levy telling how his people came to Philadelphia in the 1790’s (and that particular wave of Jewish immigration certainly deserves its own book) while Jacob’s grandfather explains he came from Bavaria but the rest of his family was born here.
Which brought home for me the fact that while the grandfather would have had the stereotypical Ashkenazi -Yiddish-German accent, the rest of his family would have had Virginian accents. Its mind warping to get my head around the idea of the Kadeish being recited with a southern drawl.
So, the family and guest sit down to dinner and everything goes fine until the Four Questions portion of the evening and they start the time honored tradition of debating What-Does-Passover-Mean. The father goes on a rant, clearly an old and much practiced one, practically banging his shoe on the table, that the story of Exodus is about rebelling against an evil government. Their poor dinner guest, sweat forming at his brow, is all ‘yeah, and the slavery…’
The next illustration in the book shows Jacob’s sister Minna slowly munching on a piece of matzoh, eyes wide and glancing sideways as the text describes the silence at the dinner table now that the “s” word has been brought up. It’s the classic comedic situation of a group of people not talking while one person very slowly continues to do some task, eyes locked on the rest of motionless people. Done right, its comedy gold. And I was certainly in a fit of giggles here, although the irrationality of the father was making me roll my eyes.
The grandfather steps in and diffuses the situation by saying disagreements are traditional and that they should move along or they’ll never get to eat. He then points out the part about the solders drowning in the Red Sea, reminding everyone, guest and family, that you are supposed to consider what it feels like to be a member of the other side. Go zayde! Score one for Team Tolerance.
The meal rolls on, a deliciously described mix of Yiddish and Southern foods – beef with sweet potatoes, stewed apples with pecan pralines, etc. Jacob finds the matzoh hidden by Corporal Levy and dwells on what he’ll ask for ransom, knowing he can get something a lot better than the usual toys this section of the holiday usually brings. He asks for the soldier’s sword, but his mother, echoing mothers throughout space and time, says firmly: ‘no weapons in the house,’ so he gets the soldier’s hat, always a good prize.
The next morning the family sends the soldier back to his unit laden down with fresh food and then all take a moment to look at each other and comment, ‘well, that was unexpected.’
A year of tough times goes by, and the next Passover rolls around, bringing with it a letter from the former corporal, along with gifts of matzoh, wine and a silver goblet engraved with a quote about liberty. Levy sends his thanks, and also lets Jacob know that when his commanding officer asked about the missing hat, he claims it was taken as a prize by a “brave rebel.”
And the family prepares for Passover, ready to leave the war behind.
Next we have two post scripts from the author.
The first is about the real Corporal Levy and some facts I found surprising about Jews in the Civil War. Weber states that 1/3 of all Jewish adult males then in America, North and South, fought in the Civil War. Wow. It comes to about 10,000 soldiers total – small by today’s standards – but when looked at in context, its an impressive number. Levy came from a large family, returning to Philadelphia after the war to raise a family of his own, telling them often the story of the time he celebrated a Southern Seder, and the saber that he did not give to Jacob is owned today by his great-great granddaughter, who let the author take a picture of it for the book. Weber also mentions that after the war many Jews in the North made a point to raise and ship supplies specifically for holidays such as Passover and sent them to their relatives-by-religion in the impoverished South. A truly thoughtful gesture of reconciliation.
The second postscript is about the holiday of Passover itself. Weber goes into a little more detail about how the holiday is celebrated, and the importance of finding things to unify rather than divide people, but the jewel of the section is a photo of a 19th century American Haggadah. The book is open to somewhere in the middle, English text and Hebrew script side by side, and, spread across the prayers, is a discoloration, dark brown on light brown, showing where someone let a large splash of wine drop from his or her cup onto the page and then hastily tried to wipe it off, smearing it into the page, leaving behind a mark that shows future generations that the past is not a dry, dusty thing, but something vibrate and exciting.
A quick word now about cognitive dissonance. The Jewish faith makes a huge deal about Passover and how Slavery Was Bad. How would a family in the South talk about the importance of Exodus with a straight face while supporting a cause that wanted to keep slavery going? In the antebellum South, how could a family sit down to a Passover supper, reciting the prayers that celebrated the end of slavery, while being served by slaves? A quick amount of Googling shows that there were in fact slave owning Jews in pre-Civil War America, so obviously this did happen, but… did anyone at the table think, “well this is weird” ?
The ability of the human mind to hold two opposing views such as this is astounding. I’m pretty sure there’s a file room somewhere out there in the galaxy with records of all sapient species. I’m also sure that our file has: “Insane: Don’t Approach” stamped on it in big red letters.
February 16, 2014
Genre: Fiction/Multicultural
Grade Level: 5th Grade
Awards: Sydney Taylor Honor Award - Honors new books for children and teens that exemplify high literacy standards and portray authentic Jewish experiences.
Based on a true story, this book takes place in Virginia immediately after the end of the American Civil War. It is told from the perspective of a ten year old boy named Jacob Josephson. Jacob is frustrated about the Yankees winning the war and is shocked when he sees "a Yankee soldier, the real thing, came walking down the street." He was approached by the Yankee soldier, Myer Levy who is on leave for Passover. Mrs. Josephson welcomes Mr. Levy to enjoy seder, a feast at the beginning of Passover, at their house that evening. During the reading of the Haggadah, Myer makes a comment that Passover is about "how no man wants to be a slave and about how wonderful it is to be free." This makes everyone, including the reader self reflect on how their common values differ from their actions.
The drawings add an old age feel, as well as enhance the feeling of tension between the Josephson's and Mr. Levy. The picture where Myer introduces himself to Mr. Josephson and his father, Jacobs father and grandfather, there is an unnatural distance between the men as they shake hands. On the following page, all you see is there feet portraying how the men stared at their feet, not able to come up with anything other than war to talk about.
The beginning of the book offers definitions of Passover terms to help the reader gain background knowledge before reading. At the end of the book, there is an explanation and real photographs of the real story of Mr. Myer Levy and the Josephson family. There is also an explanation of Passover. I feel this book would add to a civil war unit by allowing students to learn about how people were enslaved in other countries as well and how they came about their freedom. It also helps students to understand that even after the war ended, there was still a lot of work to do to bring the country back together.
Grade Level: 5th Grade
Awards: Sydney Taylor Honor Award - Honors new books for children and teens that exemplify high literacy standards and portray authentic Jewish experiences.
Based on a true story, this book takes place in Virginia immediately after the end of the American Civil War. It is told from the perspective of a ten year old boy named Jacob Josephson. Jacob is frustrated about the Yankees winning the war and is shocked when he sees "a Yankee soldier, the real thing, came walking down the street." He was approached by the Yankee soldier, Myer Levy who is on leave for Passover. Mrs. Josephson welcomes Mr. Levy to enjoy seder, a feast at the beginning of Passover, at their house that evening. During the reading of the Haggadah, Myer makes a comment that Passover is about "how no man wants to be a slave and about how wonderful it is to be free." This makes everyone, including the reader self reflect on how their common values differ from their actions.
The drawings add an old age feel, as well as enhance the feeling of tension between the Josephson's and Mr. Levy. The picture where Myer introduces himself to Mr. Josephson and his father, Jacobs father and grandfather, there is an unnatural distance between the men as they shake hands. On the following page, all you see is there feet portraying how the men stared at their feet, not able to come up with anything other than war to talk about.
The beginning of the book offers definitions of Passover terms to help the reader gain background knowledge before reading. At the end of the book, there is an explanation and real photographs of the real story of Mr. Myer Levy and the Josephson family. There is also an explanation of Passover. I feel this book would add to a civil war unit by allowing students to learn about how people were enslaved in other countries as well and how they came about their freedom. It also helps students to understand that even after the war ended, there was still a lot of work to do to bring the country back together.
December 4, 2009
There is devastation all around, but young Jacob’s biggest concern is that he will never be able capture Yankees as a Rebel General now that the war is over. His family has been preparing for Passover for weeks and he sits on the porch eating some Matzoh while contemplating this disappointment. A Yankee soldier on Passover leave interrupts his thoughts and asks him for a bite. Jacob is stunned by this request, but even more so by his mother’s invitation to the stranger to share the Seder with them.
Melded into this wonderful story of a Southern families’ hospitality are the time-honored traditions of the Jewish faith. Included in the front of the book are Passover terms and in the back, historical information about the soldier the book is based on.
I found this book not only entertaining but enlightening. It is appropriately geared for the young reader. The author’s mastery of evocative words combined with Adam Gustavson’s picturesque illustrations enable the reader to gain a firm grasp of the history of this Southern family and their surroundings.
Elka Weber’s Yankee at the Seder is a skillfully-written poignant story of overcoming differences in order to celebrate humanity and freedom. This debut children’s book by Ms. Weber would make a tremendous addition to anyone’s library.
This review was written for Armchair Interviews at www.armchairinterviews.com
Melded into this wonderful story of a Southern families’ hospitality are the time-honored traditions of the Jewish faith. Included in the front of the book are Passover terms and in the back, historical information about the soldier the book is based on.
I found this book not only entertaining but enlightening. It is appropriately geared for the young reader. The author’s mastery of evocative words combined with Adam Gustavson’s picturesque illustrations enable the reader to gain a firm grasp of the history of this Southern family and their surroundings.
Elka Weber’s Yankee at the Seder is a skillfully-written poignant story of overcoming differences in order to celebrate humanity and freedom. This debut children’s book by Ms. Weber would make a tremendous addition to anyone’s library.
This review was written for Armchair Interviews at www.armchairinterviews.com
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May 11, 2016I'm not saying there isn't a place for books that delve into the southern psyche after the war of "Northern Aggression," and I'm not even saying there shouldn't be books for children like that. I am saying, however, that I'm baffled by the idea of southern Jews being happy Confederates, and I'm especially displeased with the author's use of "housemaid" to describe someone who is clearly a slave. I also think the narration is ridiculous, because it describes Passover correctly, in being about freedom from slavery, without any nuance as to WHAT THE WAR WAS ABOUT (I know it was about more than slavery, but all we teach kids until high school is that it was about slavery, so let's get real) except "we had been talking a lot about slavery." That might fly for an adult reader, because it almost seems like a joke, to be so casual about it, but for a kid it just makes no sense. This book makes the Civil War seem not like a true historical event but a metaphor. The seder has these weird moments where the adults talk around how Passover has a lot in common with what is their contemporary reality, but there is no depth and it's incredibly subtle for new readers. It's also, again, not nuanced or complex or anything but vaguely lesson-y and juvenile, which makes it illogical for adult characters and strangely insulting and yet unhelpfully vague for child readers.
Really, really weird. The source material is fascinating, but the bowdlerization is unnerving.
Really, really weird. The source material is fascinating, but the bowdlerization is unnerving.
June 21, 2024
In an era in which some Jews prioritize partisan affiliation over belonging to the Jewish people, this book is a much needed and historically grounded parable. Taking place at the end of the American Civil War, this book imaginatively fills in the details of a real historical encounter between a Jewish Confederate family and a Jewish Union soldier looking for a seder.
Told through the eyes of a hyper-partisan child, the book both reminds of the effect our partisanship has on children who naturally take our most cherished values to extremes and that the seder is for them. The hero of the story is the narrator's mother who sets aside all differences and reminds us that a New looking for a seder should get it.
In some ways that the seder should take place itself is an important victory but the sustainability of this pluralism for ongoing relations between Jews depends on what takes place during the seder. The book may offend some for the non-judgmental approach it takes to the view of the Confederate Jews identifying as the oppressed in the story of Passover. However, it teaches an important lesson in both psychology and Jewish practice that rightly or wrongly, Jews will adapt (and perhaps even abuse) texts to suit their contemporary position, and however monstrous the result, people are rarely without any kind of reasons for their views.
While some may find the "debate" between the father and soldier a bit cliche, trite, and unsatisfying (it's a children's book after all), the moral heart of the book is the grandfather reminding the men to limit their debate "or else we'll never eat." On one level this is a familiar Passover scene and perfectly humorous even set against the dire backdrop of a devastating war fought over the "right" to enslave people. But there is a deeper message and it's that if we always focus on ideological differences we will never "eat" (i.e. never get to the pragmatic work that clearly reflects common interests. In this spirit, the story ends with the soldier sending wine and matzah to the family the subsequent year. Perhaps, a nod to precisely the pragmatic character that a community filled with the deepest ideological differences needs to maintain if it's to survive as a united people.
Hopefully, the book ends with the historical background of the story, which lends much power, I think, to the weight of the story.
The one thing I think the story does not do well is address the elephant in the room which is the oppression of African Americans in the background of this pleasant Seder. The only African-American character, the servant of the family does little besides laugh at the admission of the soldier into the home. This may imply a more radical critique of the books liberal outlook, but nothing else suggests that.
Told through the eyes of a hyper-partisan child, the book both reminds of the effect our partisanship has on children who naturally take our most cherished values to extremes and that the seder is for them. The hero of the story is the narrator's mother who sets aside all differences and reminds us that a New looking for a seder should get it.
In some ways that the seder should take place itself is an important victory but the sustainability of this pluralism for ongoing relations between Jews depends on what takes place during the seder. The book may offend some for the non-judgmental approach it takes to the view of the Confederate Jews identifying as the oppressed in the story of Passover. However, it teaches an important lesson in both psychology and Jewish practice that rightly or wrongly, Jews will adapt (and perhaps even abuse) texts to suit their contemporary position, and however monstrous the result, people are rarely without any kind of reasons for their views.
While some may find the "debate" between the father and soldier a bit cliche, trite, and unsatisfying (it's a children's book after all), the moral heart of the book is the grandfather reminding the men to limit their debate "or else we'll never eat." On one level this is a familiar Passover scene and perfectly humorous even set against the dire backdrop of a devastating war fought over the "right" to enslave people. But there is a deeper message and it's that if we always focus on ideological differences we will never "eat" (i.e. never get to the pragmatic work that clearly reflects common interests. In this spirit, the story ends with the soldier sending wine and matzah to the family the subsequent year. Perhaps, a nod to precisely the pragmatic character that a community filled with the deepest ideological differences needs to maintain if it's to survive as a united people.
Hopefully, the book ends with the historical background of the story, which lends much power, I think, to the weight of the story.
The one thing I think the story does not do well is address the elephant in the room which is the oppression of African Americans in the background of this pleasant Seder. The only African-American character, the servant of the family does little besides laugh at the admission of the soldier into the home. This may imply a more radical critique of the books liberal outlook, but nothing else suggests that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2018
Summary: This book is about a Jewish family during the time of Passover. The war is just getting over and there are soldiers in need of a place to go, so they stay with the Josephson's. They all enjoy Passover together and tell of the stories of how they all came from different places.
Review: This book is a great story to show how things were in that time, with families holding up soldiers and everyone really making the best during a war. I like that the author keeps the story happy and up beat and doesn’t really divulge the gory details of the war.
I might read this story with other books, like The Diary of Anne Frank that discuss hiding during a war.
Juicy Quote: "We sing songs and eat special foods to remind us how bad it was to be slaves, and how good it is to be free." The quote can be used to help students understand the special traditions that some groups of people participate in. It can also be used to make connections to traditions that students participate in.
Review: This book is a great story to show how things were in that time, with families holding up soldiers and everyone really making the best during a war. I like that the author keeps the story happy and up beat and doesn’t really divulge the gory details of the war.
I might read this story with other books, like The Diary of Anne Frank that discuss hiding during a war.
Juicy Quote: "We sing songs and eat special foods to remind us how bad it was to be slaves, and how good it is to be free." The quote can be used to help students understand the special traditions that some groups of people participate in. It can also be used to make connections to traditions that students participate in.
September 15, 2025
Very fascinating and very human story of a family living in recently defeated Confederate Virginia who hosts a Union soldier for Pesakh. It's interesting to see the different ways the family members react to and treat the soldier and overall, there is mostly compassion for each other. This is based on a story of a real soldier, whose descendants wanted to share his story!
December 8, 2023
I loved this book so much XD Everyone need's Jacob's daddy in their life though cause he's not afraid to call out the bad guys XD Lovely true story!
February 22, 2024
The overall message of the book was good but it was kind of hard to follow.
March 6, 2025
Based on a true story, a Yankee soldier sits down to share the Passover with a Jewish family in Virginia just days after the end of the Civil War.
March 4, 2010
This beautifully told story for older readers takes place in Virginia immediately after the Civil War has ended. It is a delicate time, the states are in upheaval from destruction and war, but it is also a time to be welcoming to others. It is Passover. Jacob and his family, Virginia Confederates, invite a Yankee soldier to join them. At first, Jacob is shocked and angry, how could his family invite him? But, his mother reminds him that during Passover they welcome all who are hungry and in need of a meal. The tension and awkwardness between the soldier and the family is immediately felt and flares up during a dinner debate, which, is part of Jewish tradition to honor individual interpretation to each side of a story. Whether that story is about the story of the Exodus or the story of the Civil War. Slowly, a friendship grows between Jacob and the soldier, and a friendly game leaves Jacob in possession of a real Yankee solider hat.
This is an incredible story, filled with uncomfortable moments that older readers can explore in understanding what it must have been like right as a war was ending. The dense text is just right for grades 2-5.
This is an incredible story, filled with uncomfortable moments that older readers can explore in understanding what it must have been like right as a war was ending. The dense text is just right for grades 2-5.
April 30, 2009
This picture book is based off a true story from the end of the Civil War. When the war ended right before Passover, one Northern soldier was in Virginia. He saw a little boy eating matzah on a porch, and found himself invited to the seder. This book is a creative imagining of what that seder must have been like.
The author's note at the end says that she has always thought that it must have been an awkward night. With Passover's themes of freedom from slavery, as well as going against government rules (admittedly an angle I had never thought of previously) a Yankee guest at a Southern table would be in a strange position. The book does a good job balancing hospitality and mistrust, humor and seriousness, all while telling a good story.
A nice change from the usual Passover fare, and a new angle to think about the holiday's themes.
Recommended. For grades 2-5.
The author's note at the end says that she has always thought that it must have been an awkward night. With Passover's themes of freedom from slavery, as well as going against government rules (admittedly an angle I had never thought of previously) a Yankee guest at a Southern table would be in a strange position. The book does a good job balancing hospitality and mistrust, humor and seriousness, all while telling a good story.
A nice change from the usual Passover fare, and a new angle to think about the holiday's themes.
Recommended. For grades 2-5.
March 20, 2014
This fictional story by Elka Weber tells the story of a Jewish Yankee who visits a southern Jewish family for the Passover meal a few days after the end of the Civil War.
This book would be great to use for both teaching about multiculturalism and history. This might be an appropriate read aloud beginning at the third grade level. To understand the story, students would need to be given some basic background information about the Civil War and Passover. This is provided in the end pages.
The illustrations in this book are done in oil. Faces and objects are portrayed in a very realistic manner. Colors are somewhat subdued. representing the simple style of the clothing and household items of the era.
Although the story is fictional, it is based on a true story.
This book would be great to use for both teaching about multiculturalism and history. This might be an appropriate read aloud beginning at the third grade level. To understand the story, students would need to be given some basic background information about the Civil War and Passover. This is provided in the end pages.
The illustrations in this book are done in oil. Faces and objects are portrayed in a very realistic manner. Colors are somewhat subdued. representing the simple style of the clothing and household items of the era.
Although the story is fictional, it is based on a true story.
October 15, 2014
This is a real story. A Yankee lived with a family for a while and then a few stories happened. The little boy in the family really did not like the Yankee. The Yankee talked a lot about war. There are a lot conversations between the Yankee and the little boy.
This whole book is very complicated for readers. I read the book for three times to figure out the main line of the resources and to understand what the whole story is talking about. This is a very interesting book. The book changes the real story to an comic book and with pictures to narrate the whole story.
The graphics are very vivid. Basically, they are drawn by real people. And the pictures show lots of details about the environment during that time. It’s a really a good historical story book.
This whole book is very complicated for readers. I read the book for three times to figure out the main line of the resources and to understand what the whole story is talking about. This is a very interesting book. The book changes the real story to an comic book and with pictures to narrate the whole story.
The graphics are very vivid. Basically, they are drawn by real people. And the pictures show lots of details about the environment during that time. It’s a really a good historical story book.
June 21, 2019
Props to Elka Weber for writing The Yankee at the Seder from its authentic time period, biased attitudes and conventions intact. How would a Southern Jewish family conduct life following a loss in the "War of Northern Aggression"? Would they celebrate Passover, a holiday to commemorate the freedom of Jews from Egyptian bondage, while siding with the South's beliefs on slavery? Are government and personal freedom truly separate issues? What questions to be asking within a picture book!
This story is based on a true account, but there is narrative speculation as to the minute of conversation topics, etc. I still appreciate what it presents and the unique viewpoints of history in the U.S. And the illustrations are gorgeous.
This story is based on a true account, but there is narrative speculation as to the minute of conversation topics, etc. I still appreciate what it presents and the unique viewpoints of history in the U.S. And the illustrations are gorgeous.
March 30, 2013
At the end of the Civil War, a Yankee soldier is given leave for Passover. Corporal Myer Levy comes across 10-year-old Jacob Josephson eating matzah on his front porch in Virginia, and the Confederate Josephsons find themselves hosting a real live Yankee at their Seder. It was hard for Myer to understand how the Josephsons could celebrate the true meaning of Passover and still support the South in the Civil War, but in the end the Jewish traditions bridge the gap between the two sides. Pair this with Private Joel and the Sewell Mountain Seder for a great look at Passover during the Civil War. Both are based on true stories. Recommended for grades 2 & up.
February 27, 2009
A truly wonderful story that is (mostly) true. The Civil War has ended, Passover is here, and the Josephson family in Virginia is surprised to find a Yankee soldier coming up the walk. They invite him in for the Seder, and during the reading of the Haggadah the family and the soldier argue (civilly) about freedom, liberty and how the two concepts tie in with Passover. Through it all the characters are realistic (which makes since, as Myer Levy, the soldier, was a real person) and the arguments give no easy answers.
September 24, 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
The Yankee at the Seder is based on a family story that had been passed down through many generations. It tells the story of a Passover Seder celebrated by a Southern Jewish family soon after General Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Following tradition, this family reluctantly invited a Yankee Jewish soldier to join their celebration. I enjoyed this story because it showed the importance of finding those things that bind us together, even when the world tries to tear us apart.
The Yankee at the Seder is based on a family story that had been passed down through many generations. It tells the story of a Passover Seder celebrated by a Southern Jewish family soon after General Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Following tradition, this family reluctantly invited a Yankee Jewish soldier to join their celebration. I enjoyed this story because it showed the importance of finding those things that bind us together, even when the world tries to tear us apart.
September 17, 2008
Ten year old Jacob is a Confederate, and is smarting from the South's loss in the Civil War. When some Yankees come through town during Passover, one of them comes to his home seeking a family willing to share their Seder. The soldier gently guides Jacob's thinking about slavery with comparisons to the plight of the Jews of the Old Testament, and slowly, the healing process begins. Adam Gustavson's illustrations are a delight.
April 1, 2009
This is a true story of a Yankee soldier sharing the Passover Seder in a Confederate family just after Lee surrendered. It not only tells an event in the little known history of the Jewish Civil War soldier, but give an insight into the real meaning of bravery, freedom, and the resolution of war. This story should definitely be shared.
July 30, 2013
Not a perfect book, to be sure, but a startling one...and I mean that in a good way. Like so many other readers, I too never stopped to think that there might be Jews in the South at the time of the Civil War.
Based on a true story, I'd hope this book would be read for pleasure, just for enjoyment, but I can see that it's more the thing to be read during history or religion classes.
Based on a true story, I'd hope this book would be read for pleasure, just for enjoyment, but I can see that it's more the thing to be read during history or religion classes.
September 6, 2016
I love these chidren's historical books based on true events and this one was done well. The "story behind the story" was included to even further educate the children. As a Civil War enthusiast, I find that children's books sometimes give me the personal stories the best and this one was an excellent example of this.
March 24, 2009
Heather told me this was a great book and she was right. The book is about a southern Jewish boy right after the civil war ends and a yankee Jewish soldier who stops at their house and joins them for Seder. This is a beautiful book and very well done. Grades 2+
July 29, 2011
I thought it was a lovely story that touched on how Jews delt with each other during the Civil War (something that I've thought of a few times). It went over some basic Passover principles, and had nice illistrations.
March 7, 2013
Nice combination of American History and gaining a better understanding of Judaism. Works as nicely as the book wherein George Washington encounter a soldier at Valley Forge lighting his menorah for Hanukkah, though this one is even better as it is based on a true story.
September 9, 2011
Ex wishlist
Good retelling of a moment in history. The photos at the end were fascinating. The book though runs long, even longer because I had to stop to explain a lot of things to my children.
Good retelling of a moment in history. The photos at the end were fascinating. The book though runs long, even longer because I had to stop to explain a lot of things to my children.
August 1, 2010
Several interesting themes are found in this book: Seder traditions, North vs. South in Civil War, early Jews in the U.S. Book was enjoyable while not being overly innundated with information.
November 3, 2013
wonderful read about the Passover bringing a yankee soldier and a southern family together at the end of the civil war. based on a true story
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