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When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street
Zeesie wasn't really happy about the visit to her grandparents... In fact, Zeesie is quite afraid of her Zaydeh, who doesn't seem to like children. When he invites her to come along with him to synagogue, she knows she can't say no. A reluctant Zeesie finds herself in a place more beautiful than she had expected -- in an ornate shul amidst a gala party! Despite herself, Zeesie is drawn into the mysterious and compelling celebration. And when she finds the courage to ask a question about the Torah, a whole new world opens up for her.Join the exuberant and curious Zeesie in her second adventure on the Lower East Side of the 1930s -- a world that comes to life in exquisite detail as apprehension trims to wonder and joy.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 4, 2011
Even though I am not one whit religious and this is a somewhat religious book, at least in terms of its view of the Torah, and of the Eldridge Street synagogue, and of Judaism too, I started to tear up a bit as I read this.
I read this because (I think) it’s one of the selected books for this month’s theme of grandparents for the Picture Books Club at the Children's Books group. Although I might not participate in the discussion, and haven’t for a few months, I am trying to read all the selected books.
I really liked this story of a young girl sent to stay at her grandparents because her mother is about to deliver a baby. She loves her grandmother but is afraid of her grandfather, and it does seem that her rather gruff grandfather isn’t very good with children. But then he takes to to a Simchas Torah celebration at his synagogue and she sees another side of him and he sees her more clearly too. I like how relationships evolve in this picture book story.
This is a historical fiction book; it takes place in the 1930s, in New York, the U.S. (but as I read for some reason I couldn’t help think what the 1940s would bring for the Jews of Europe.)
The illustrations are marvelous. I love the art style, colors, content, everything about them. They’re my very favorite thing about this book.
The inside front and back covers have two recipes: Bubbeh Shayndel’s Apple Cake and Tante Golda’s Apricot Jam Cookies. They’re a nice addition and are very easy to veganize. Both have eggs and one also has butter, but both those ingredients are very easy to substitute with vegan versions and with no change to their taste. At the back of the book there is an author’s note that focuses on what the lower East Side of Manhattan was like in the 1930s and today’s efforts to restore the Eldridge Street synagogue to its former glory. There is also a glossary of Hebrew, Yiddish, and English words that are used in the story.
I do think this is an excellent book for children to learn about Simchas Torah and especially for kids who maybe don’t have the best relationship with a grandparent, to perhaps think and look at them with a new viewpoint, and maybe to learn a bit more about them to accomplish that.
And at the end of the story the reader does find out whether Zeesie has a new baby brother or a new baby sister. So, it’s also a good story for children expecting a new sibling or where there is a baby in the family.
I read this because (I think) it’s one of the selected books for this month’s theme of grandparents for the Picture Books Club at the Children's Books group. Although I might not participate in the discussion, and haven’t for a few months, I am trying to read all the selected books.
I really liked this story of a young girl sent to stay at her grandparents because her mother is about to deliver a baby. She loves her grandmother but is afraid of her grandfather, and it does seem that her rather gruff grandfather isn’t very good with children. But then he takes to to a Simchas Torah celebration at his synagogue and she sees another side of him and he sees her more clearly too. I like how relationships evolve in this picture book story.
This is a historical fiction book; it takes place in the 1930s, in New York, the U.S. (but as I read for some reason I couldn’t help think what the 1940s would bring for the Jews of Europe.)
The illustrations are marvelous. I love the art style, colors, content, everything about them. They’re my very favorite thing about this book.
The inside front and back covers have two recipes: Bubbeh Shayndel’s Apple Cake and Tante Golda’s Apricot Jam Cookies. They’re a nice addition and are very easy to veganize. Both have eggs and one also has butter, but both those ingredients are very easy to substitute with vegan versions and with no change to their taste. At the back of the book there is an author’s note that focuses on what the lower East Side of Manhattan was like in the 1930s and today’s efforts to restore the Eldridge Street synagogue to its former glory. There is also a glossary of Hebrew, Yiddish, and English words that are used in the story.
I do think this is an excellent book for children to learn about Simchas Torah and especially for kids who maybe don’t have the best relationship with a grandparent, to perhaps think and look at them with a new viewpoint, and maybe to learn a bit more about them to accomplish that.
And at the end of the story the reader does find out whether Zeesie has a new baby brother or a new baby sister. So, it’s also a good story for children expecting a new sibling or where there is a baby in the family.
February 3, 2009
I thought this was a very sweet, if a bit lengthy, story about a young girl overcoming her fear of a stern grandfather and learning something about her religion in the process. The ending is so sweet and heartwarming! I haven't read many picture books focused on Jewish holidays, and I personally loved the glimpse into another culture and religion. Of course, I have a background in World Religions so I did not find it frustrating or difficult to understand and there is a helpful glossary in back for those newer to the terms and ideas.
I wish to offer a counter-perspective to the only other review of this book, namely, that if we exclude our children from stories simply because they are "in depth" into a culture or have unfamiliar terms, we are robbing them of the riches of this great world and of being aware members of society. Children love to learn and soak up new words and ideas--what difference if they are English words or Christian-based!? But, that's my soap box...
I wish to offer a counter-perspective to the only other review of this book, namely, that if we exclude our children from stories simply because they are "in depth" into a culture or have unfamiliar terms, we are robbing them of the riches of this great world and of being aware members of society. Children love to learn and soak up new words and ideas--what difference if they are English words or Christian-based!? But, that's my soap box...
June 19, 2025
This is a wonderful tale about a Jewish community on the lower east side of Manhattan and their celebration of Simchas Torah in the 1930s. It has very expressive illustrations and pays homage to a beautiful synagogue that is currently in a state of disrepair. The author's note is informative and inspiring.
This book was featured as one of the selections for the September 2011 Grandparents-themed reads for the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This book was featured as one of the selections for the September 2011 Grandparents-themed reads for the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
February 14, 2020
"Zeesie wasn't really happy about the visit to her grandparents," begins this engaging family story from Elsa Okon Rael, which won the 1997 Sydney Taylor Book Award (given by the Association of Jewish Libraries, in order to recognize "quality Judaic literature") in the 'Younger Readers' category. Dispatched to Bubbeh Ruchel and Zayde Avrum's apartment, when her mother must go to the hospital to have a baby, Zeesie is at first as intimidated as always by her stern Zayde (grandfather), accepting his invitation to join him at shul only with great reluctance. Imagine her surprise when, having arrived at the beautiful Eldridge Street Synagogue, she sees the normally scowling Zayde smiling and dancing, and enjoying the celebration of Simchas Torah! Equally surprising is his positive reaction, when she questions him about to the meaning of the celebration...
An excellent introduction to the celebration of Simchas Torah - the day in the Jewish calendar on which the year-long public reading of the Torah is concluded, and which marks the beginning of another year's cycle of reading - which I have not seen extensively discussed in children's books (actually, I haven't seen it discussed at all, but then, I haven't been looking for it either), When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street is also a sensitive family story, one which explores the sometimes difficult relationship between the generations. Anyone who has had a formidable grandparent will recognize and identify with Zeesie's anxiety, and will rejoice in the rapport that she builds with Zaydeh, by showing an interest in Jewish traditions. I really appreciated the fact that, although heartwarming, this is not an unrealistically 'sweet' story - Zaydeh is a genuinely grouchy old man, with little patience for young people, and that doesn't seem likely to change. On the other hand, despite Zeesie's fears, he's clearly not an ogre, and it's very satisfying to see this reality becoming apparent to her. Highly recommended, to anyone looking for Simchas Torah stories for younger readers, or for stories involving the grandparent-grandchild relationship.
An excellent introduction to the celebration of Simchas Torah - the day in the Jewish calendar on which the year-long public reading of the Torah is concluded, and which marks the beginning of another year's cycle of reading - which I have not seen extensively discussed in children's books (actually, I haven't seen it discussed at all, but then, I haven't been looking for it either), When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street is also a sensitive family story, one which explores the sometimes difficult relationship between the generations. Anyone who has had a formidable grandparent will recognize and identify with Zeesie's anxiety, and will rejoice in the rapport that she builds with Zaydeh, by showing an interest in Jewish traditions. I really appreciated the fact that, although heartwarming, this is not an unrealistically 'sweet' story - Zaydeh is a genuinely grouchy old man, with little patience for young people, and that doesn't seem likely to change. On the other hand, despite Zeesie's fears, he's clearly not an ogre, and it's very satisfying to see this reality becoming apparent to her. Highly recommended, to anyone looking for Simchas Torah stories for younger readers, or for stories involving the grandparent-grandchild relationship.
October 21, 2023
This is the first book I've seen about Simchat Torah so it gets points just for that as I want to cover all the holidays. It's also a great story.
September 15, 2011
When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street by Elsa Okon Rael, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman is both a sensitively told intergenerational family story and an introduction to the celebration of Simchas Torah - the day in the Jewish calendar on which the year-long public reading of the Torah is concluded.
When her mother must go to the hospital to have a baby, Zeesie is sent to stay with her grandparents. At first Zeesie is intimidated as always by her stern Zaydeh (grandfather), accepting his invitation to join him at shul rather reluctantly. She is surprised and pleased to find the usually frowning Zaydeh smiling, dancing and truly enjoying the celebration of Simchas Torah at the beautiful Eldridge Street Synagogue. Instead of being upset, Zaydeh reacts positively and proudly when Zeesie questions him about the meaning of the Torah celebration.
The text seems evocative of the setting and time in New York City. The many details draw one into the culture and tradition of the story. The recipes for Bubbeh Shayndel's Apple Cake and Tante Golda's Appricot Jam Cookies are included on the end papers. I found the Glossary of Hebrew, Yiddish, and English words used in the story to be very helpful. The Author's Note adds very useful context and information.
The illustrations are beautiful, painted in gouache on watercolor paper with layered opaque paint and added textures. They show details of the celebrations and of the culture on Eldridge Street in the 1930's. I enjoyed the inclusion of the cats, particularly a couple humorous touches.
This book is another wonderful discovery from the Picturebook Club on Goodreads. This tale should resonate with many, whether as a religious tale, grandfather story, or historical fiction look at 1930's New York City. I checked on the internet and found that the Eldridge Street Synagogue is now fully restored and have marked it as a destination to visit in the future, along with a trip to the also mentioned Katz's Delicatessen (I do love New York City Deli's!). This book is highly recommended for school and public library collections.
For ages 5 to 8, religion-philosophy, dance, Jewish culture, cooking-recipes, historical-fiction, 1930's New York City, and fans of Elsa Okon Rael and Marjorie Priceman.
When her mother must go to the hospital to have a baby, Zeesie is sent to stay with her grandparents. At first Zeesie is intimidated as always by her stern Zaydeh (grandfather), accepting his invitation to join him at shul rather reluctantly. She is surprised and pleased to find the usually frowning Zaydeh smiling, dancing and truly enjoying the celebration of Simchas Torah at the beautiful Eldridge Street Synagogue. Instead of being upset, Zaydeh reacts positively and proudly when Zeesie questions him about the meaning of the Torah celebration.
The text seems evocative of the setting and time in New York City. The many details draw one into the culture and tradition of the story. The recipes for Bubbeh Shayndel's Apple Cake and Tante Golda's Appricot Jam Cookies are included on the end papers. I found the Glossary of Hebrew, Yiddish, and English words used in the story to be very helpful. The Author's Note adds very useful context and information.
The illustrations are beautiful, painted in gouache on watercolor paper with layered opaque paint and added textures. They show details of the celebrations and of the culture on Eldridge Street in the 1930's. I enjoyed the inclusion of the cats, particularly a couple humorous touches.
This book is another wonderful discovery from the Picturebook Club on Goodreads. This tale should resonate with many, whether as a religious tale, grandfather story, or historical fiction look at 1930's New York City. I checked on the internet and found that the Eldridge Street Synagogue is now fully restored and have marked it as a destination to visit in the future, along with a trip to the also mentioned Katz's Delicatessen (I do love New York City Deli's!). This book is highly recommended for school and public library collections.
For ages 5 to 8, religion-philosophy, dance, Jewish culture, cooking-recipes, historical-fiction, 1930's New York City, and fans of Elsa Okon Rael and Marjorie Priceman.
September 17, 2011
"Zaydeh" is a wonderful story about love. I so enjoyed how this story showed the devotion of Zaydeh Avrum to the Torah. While stern, he was indeed a loving grandfather. He was thrilled when his beautiful granddaughter Zeesie asked him about the Torah and explained that he saw it as "A kiss from God to the Jewish people to show His love."
This book is a wonderful glimpse into heartfelt faith, and a defining moment in a young girl's life.
The illustrations are rich and colorful. The glossary at the end was helpful and clarified a couple of things I puzzled over. The author's note was enlightening about the time and place where the story occurred. And the two recipes sound delicious. (I'll be making Bubbeh Shayndel's Apple Cake this weekend).
Zaydeh is a terrific book that speaks to the heart at many levels.
This book is a wonderful glimpse into heartfelt faith, and a defining moment in a young girl's life.
The illustrations are rich and colorful. The glossary at the end was helpful and clarified a couple of things I puzzled over. The author's note was enlightening about the time and place where the story occurred. And the two recipes sound delicious. (I'll be making Bubbeh Shayndel's Apple Cake this weekend).
Zaydeh is a terrific book that speaks to the heart at many levels.
September 2, 2011
Zeesie is a little hesitant about spending time with her grandfather, Zaydeh because he is stern and wants the children to sit still. Zeesie's mother is having a baby, so Zeesie must spend the day with Zaydeh. Zaydeh teaches his granddaughter about the Jewish holiday, Simchas Torah, and Zeesie learns about a new side of her grandfather.
I enjoyed how Zeesie's and Zaydeh's relationship developed over the course of this day. Children will be able to relate to having a stern grandparent and come to an understanding that their grandparents love them, are full of knowledge, and might surprise them by being fun.
I enjoyed how Zeesie's and Zaydeh's relationship developed over the course of this day. Children will be able to relate to having a stern grandparent and come to an understanding that their grandparents love them, are full of knowledge, and might surprise them by being fun.
April 15, 2026
Very very sweet story about a young girl living in late Ellis Island era Lower East Side, whose parents are about to have a new baby! Zeesie has to stay with her bubbeh and zaydeh nearby, and Zaydeh is not so good with kids. Zaydeh invites her to a Simkhat Torah celebration at the Elbridge Street shul and we all get to experience how beautiful it is together! Zaydeh and Zeesie finally connect with the joy of the Torah!
The afterword says that the shul is in disrepair. However, today it is now the very well maintained Elbridge Street Museum! So pretty!
The afterword says that the shul is in disrepair. However, today it is now the very well maintained Elbridge Street Museum! So pretty!
June 2, 2022
I enjoyed this book, but be aware it is not for the very young listener as it is wordy. My older children (youngest is 6) enjoyed it and learned a bit about Jewish culture in the 1930s. It was a good jumping off point for a discussion.
September 2, 2008
A nice story about a girl who overcomes her fear of her grandfather as she comes to better understand him and the life/religion that is a part of her whole family. The illustrator did a good job portraying emotions in the book. But I found it disconcerting that the method of portraying wrinkles on the elderly looked more like they had dirt on their faces. Too much text, too many unfamiliar words, and too in-depth into a culture not everyone shares to use this book for a story time.
September 19, 2011
Interesting story of a little girl and her grandfather. I loved how happy he became because a grandchild showed interest in something that meant so much to him, his life and religion. A great book to introduce Jewish customs. I didn't care for the illustrations. My 2nd grader read the book by herself but didn't understand a lot because of all the new Jewish vocabulary. She did understand the importance of Grandpa's kiss. :)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews