Moishe's Miracle: A Hanukkah Story

by Laura Krauss Melmed, David Slonim (Illustrator)

..."set it upon the fire empty, and it will produce as many delicious Hanukkah latkes as you wish. Latkes by the dozen, latkes by the hundreds will appear until you remove the pan from the stove. Just remember the stranger's warning: "To Moishe this gift was given, and only Moishe must see it."With such a gift, Moishe, his wife Baila, and the entire village of Wishniak can have a Hanukkah like no other. They will dance and sing and feast on latkes all because of a mysterious frying pan provided by a stranger and some talking cows grateful for Moishe's generosity. But what of the warning? Will the magic pan still fry up latkes as plump as little pillows if Baila uses it? Or will it fry up something totally unexpected...?

Laura Krauss Melmed, author of the bestselling" I Love You As Much...," and artist David Slonim have cooked up a wondrous and wholly original Hanukkah story, made from all the classic ingredients of Jewish folktales: mystery, humor, and good food.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Childrens, Holiday, Fiction, Religion, Judaism

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A generous and gentle soul, Moishe the Milkman was forever giving away extra milk and cream to the poorer villagers, driving his penny-pinching wife, Baila - a born complainer and scolder - to distraction. When his kindheartedness is rewarded, and a magical frying pan - one which produces an endless supply of latkes, if (and only if) Moishe is using it - is mysteriously left in his barn as a gift, it seems that all the couple's problems have been solved. Now they will always have enough for themselves, and for all their friends and neighbors as well! But Baila, not content with the gift, tries to use it herself, in order to make a profit, and disaster ensues. Instead of latkes, she's produced demons! Can everything be set to rights again...?

An engaging original story, one that reads like a traditional folktale, Moishe's Miracle follows the basic narrative outline of stories like The Sorcerer's Apprentice, or Strega Nona , in which a magical gift or ability, when wielded by someone for whom it was not intended, goes dangerously awry. I liked the ending here, in which the rabbi's arrival puts a stop to the frying pan's shenanigans, and the magical ability is lost, as this highlights the notion that our actions have consequences, often permanent. The artwork, done by David Slonim in earthy tones, is marvelously expressive (one can almost hear Baila rolling her eyes, in one scene), and adds to the book's other charms. All in all, an appealing Hanukkah title, one I would recommend to anyone looking for fun stories for the holiday!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the old world look of the illustrations and the story. Moishe was a dairy man, who was kind and giving. He would leave milk for families, who couldn't pay for it, which reminded me of my dad, who was a co-owner of a dairy, and told me he left milk with mother's who couldn't pay for the milk during the depression. Moise's wife nagged her husband for giving away what was theirs. He went to the barn to get away from her, and fell asleep. When he awoke the cows spoke to him, and told me of a man, who came and entertained them, and left a gift for Moishe. It was a frying pan, with grease. Moishe could cook all the special holiday cakes he wanted just by putting the pan on the fire, but he was the only one that could use the pan. I enjoyed this story about Hanukkah.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kind man with a big heart and a too-practical wife. Art that expresses the emotions and setting. A cautionary tale which is bound to capture the imagination of the kids. Like several other Hanukkah stories on the shelves, this is sure to be a favorite.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 3/4 stars
For my Hanukkah collection.


For the storyteller with a gift for Yiddish and Jewish accents, this is great fun as a read-aloud.

A charming story with a cute message.

The artwork (and the expressions on Baila's face) bump this up 3/4 of a star. (Yes. Three quarters of a star. Deal with it.)

[Kate Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strega Nona and the pasta pot for Hanukkah. Should be fun.

[Ruth Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Latkes

Moishe the Milkman is a generous a man. His wife does not approve. One night, the animals talk to him and he has been given a fry pan to make laktes. He is only one to use it. His wife sends him off on an errand and then tries to use the pan. It gives her demons and burnt smells of latkes. Moishe returns with guests and the demons disappear. Moral. Generosity is good and gifts are for the one person. Really liked this story.

[Greg Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated. Demonstrates many of the Channukah traditions: Lighting candles, eating potato pancakes (Latkes) and spinning tops (dreidels). Also embraces the golden rule: the milkman, Moishe, is rewarded for helping others in need, while his wife is punished for turning a chance to help others into an opportunity for personal gain.

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another story in a shtetl of a husband and wife who struggle to make ends meet. Moishe is so generous to the community with what little the have and Baila is upset about it. In a dream, Moishe finds a magic frying pan that makes latkes from nothing! If you wanna learn more, read this book!

[Literary Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75*
Super cute story with great illustrations

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed story/folktale. Illustrations were not my favorite. A bit too washed out for a large group read aloud. But Baila's eye rolls almost makeup for it. Plan to read to grades 3-5 in December.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moishe's Miracle is a charming and sweet Hanukkah story that will delight children and adults alike. It has some positive messages and lovely artwork. Recommended!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming Hanukkah folktale. My family enjoyed the story, but the kids had a bit of trouble with the illustrations.

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hanukkah story with a warning and a character with a change of heart.

[Beza Addis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars: This is a strange book. The story starts off strong and ends very abruptly. The artwork is interesting.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fable about generosity and greed has a folktale feel. The sory is enchanting and the earhtone illustrations are gorgeous.

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strega Nona vibes, but with latkes and demons 👀

[Jan Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a nice story about a magic frying pan and community.

[Kristen McBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun Hanukkah story in the vein of a spooky Christmas tale with a lesson.

[Janelle Zingaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fictional tale of Hannukah tells of a poor milkman, Moishe and his generous ways. Moishe's wife gets fed up with him helping their needy neighbors and barely saving enough for the two of them. Soon Moishe finds refuge in the cowshed where a magical pan is granted to Moishe for his use only. When Moishe uses the pan, countless latkes. Baila takes the pan and tries to use it to sell the latkes, but it bursts into flames and Moishe and the rabbi arrive in the nick of time to save her. This book uses Jewish language that could be taught to students. It also promotes giving to the less fortunate. The illustrations bring the characters and the entire story to life.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good Hanukkah story. I liked it and I feel like a class could enjoy it as well. It was pretty interesting. It was fun and it had a pretty good lesson on greed and its consequences. The illustrations are attractive as well. Overall, this book is a pretty good addition to any Hanukkah collection. Upper elementary would be the best audience for its length and amount of Yiddish that would probably need to be explained.

[Jennifer Curtin · Rating 3 out of 5]

EDLI 200 Required Reading: Picture Book
Genre: Picture Book
Reading Level: Grade 2-5

Moishes' greatest gift is his kindness toward others. With the Jewish holiday Hanukkah approaching, Moishe's kindess has led to a lack of funds to buy ingredients for latkes. Moishe has developed a habit of sharing too much for his wife's taste.
Moishe receieves a surprise gift one night and the

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moishe's kindness is the sort of spirit I want to relay to my child during the holidays. We are not Jewish, but I think it speaks to a more universal kindness that we all should embody in spirit. My Daughter loves the characters, especially the expressive illustrations and language makes it engaging for her.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a colorful and interesting Hanukkah fable that talks about being kind and generous, no matter how wealthy you are. It is also a cautionary tale against avarice. The illustrations are muted and expressive. Our girls enjoyed watching the story on the Tumblebooks website. (tumblebooks.com)

[Alfajirikali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story that highlights the merits of generosity.

[N_Allie l · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an audio book.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story to read to the kids! Loved it.

[Valerie]

A great holiday story.