Welcome to the Belfer house, the only Jewish home in a small South Louisiana town. The celebration of Passover is coming and Toby Belfer’s best friend, Donna, is coming over to share in the festivities of the Seder supper. Donna does not know much about the celebration of the Seder because at her church they celebrate Easter. During one magical night she will experience the traditions and learn the history of the Jewish feast of deliverance.
This Passover tale recounts not only how Toby and her friend help the family prepare for the festival, but also it tells the story of how the Israelites came to freedom more than three thousand years ago. Donna comes to understand the symbols of the Seder supper, the legend of the prophet Elijah, and why Jewish people only serve certain food like unleavened bread during the celebration.
Told within the frame of a friendship between a Jew and a Gentile, Toby Belfer’s Seder is appropriate for all faiths. As the story unfolds it helps children understand the relationship between Passover and Easter. The special activities in this book include rhymes children can use for their own celebrations, an example of how to join in the search for the afikoman, and a lesson in the striking parallels between Passover and Easter. Whether teaching the faith or bridging cultural differences, this book is an entertaining way to show young readers how Passover is a festival of peace.