Review: A Mitzvah for George Washington

A Mitzvah for George Washington

by Rachelle Burk, illustrated by Chiara Fedele

Creston Books, 2024

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Marcia M. Rosenthal

Buy at Bookshop.org

A Mitzvah for George Washington is a historical fiction picture book based on an authentic event. On August 17, 1790, Washington arrived in Newport, Rhode Island. The leader of the Hebrew Congregation of Newport prepared for Washington’s visit by writing a letter of gratitude to him for being a “guiding light to religious freedom.” 

 

In this fictional story, the leader tells his daughter Bella that expressing gratitude is a mitzvah. She is so inspired by Washington’s advocacy for freedom of religion that she gathers the children of the Congregation to prepare signs to welcome and thank him. Upon his arrival, Washington is escorted by a large crowd, but the children are obstructed from his view. Undeterred, they make candles to give to Washington the next day, but the children are unable to see him. Bella’s final plan works: When Washington returns to the harbor to board his ship, the children stand on the dock, holding their candles - now lit - singing “Hinah ma tov umah na'im shevet achim gam yachad,” meaning “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for people to dwell together in unity!” Washington sees and hears the children singing, and the grateful president departs, waving goodbye. The author's note points out that there are no actual accounts of Washington interacting with Newport's children, and this is a speculative story about something that could have happened. The author's note quotes Washington's famous letter to Newport's Hebrew Congregation after his visit, in which he stressed his government's commitment to building a country where all would be free from religious persecution.

The focus of the narrative is the desire of these Jewish children to have their own voice in expressing gratitude to President Washington for bringing about freedom of religious expression. Bella’s father explains to her that in many parts of the world, Jews are prohibited from practicing Judaism. This is particularly poignant as it relates to the religious intolerance towards Jews that continues today.

 

The illustrations are vivid and beautifully complement the text. The color palette accurately reflects that time in history. Particularly noteworthy are the illustrations showing the children’s hand-written signs in Hebrew and English, adding charm to the Jewish theme.

This is an excellent book geared for children 7-11 years of age but nevertheless will appeal to younger and older Jewish children as well as adults. The determination by the children to find a way for their own voices to be heard is inspirational, emphasizing the fact that every person is important and has the right to be heard. The book will interest young readers about Jewish American citizens who lived during the formative years in Colonial times. I recommend this book to home, school, and public libraries.

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Reviewer Marcia M. Rosenthal is a former teacher at an orthodox Jewish Day School outside of Philadelphia, having left her long-standing position to devote more time to writing and illustrating Jewish picture books. She has taught first-grade general studies, art, middle school language arts, and Jewish studies. She is a past recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.