Review: The Secret Seder

The Secret Seder

by Dvorah Zuckerberg, illustrated by Tamara Goldreich

Menucha Publishers, 2025

Category: Early Chapter Books

Reviewer: Leah Cypess

 

Buy at Menucha

This well-written and evocative early chapter book tells the story of a secret seder in Siberia during World War II. The story seems to be based on the author’s own experiences. Despite the setting and topic, it is a gentle narrative, conveying the harsh realities of the life the main character lives but stressing the fact that she nevertheless feels safe, protected by her parents and by God. There is enough tension to keep the pages turning. Will their neighbor discover what they are doing? Will American Jews send matzah? The clear, crisp illustrations, with their expressive facial expressions and beautiful scenery, enhance and complete the story.

The Jewish representation in this book is heartfelt and authentic and illuminates an important part of the Jewish historical experience. The book is about deeply religious Jews and seems written primarily for an Orthodox audience. The advance copy doesn’t make it clear whether there is a glossary; regardless, the book is sufficiently peppered with Yiddish and Hebrew words to make it most suitable for children who will be able to understand those words without checking a glossary.

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN REVIEWING BOOKS FOR THE SYDNEY TAYLOR SHMOOZE? CLICK HERE

 

Reviewer Leah Cypess is the author of the Sisters Ever After series (for ages 9-14), the Miriam’s Magical Creature Files series (for ages 5-8), and the forthcoming Future Me Saves the World (And Ruins My Life) (for ages 8-12). Leah also writes children’s Judaica books under the name Leah Sokol. Her most recent Judaica book is Standing Together: The Story of Natan Sharansky (for ages 8-14).