On a Chariot of Fire
The Story of India’s Bene Israel
Erica Lyons author Siona Benjamin illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Levine Querido
Published:21st Nov '24
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Learn the other side of the Hanukkah story, A Chariot of Fire follows the Bene Israel community, as they flee Israel to find a new home in India.
Two thousand years ago, a ship sailed east, alone on an endless sea. The people onboard were fleeing the same war that the Maccabees fought in the ancient land of Israel. They took with them their faith and their traditions, knowing they would sail for more than a year.
When a great storm crushed their boat on the shores of India, only a few survived.
Some say the prophet Elijah plucked them from the sea. But they were welcomed by the people of the new land. They survived and adapted, with new spices for their food and new clothing and culture to borrow, but never strayed from their faith. They say Elijah came back down from Heaven in a chariot of fire, to praise this community, the Bene Israel of India for their strength, and their belief. Here, for all to share, is their story.
“Intensely colored multimedia illustrations vividly highlight the stories of the past… A visually enticing testament to the diversity of Jewish life.’ – Kirkus
“Gouache, markers, and colored pencil and brush pens [create] dramatic, mural-like compositions and dreamy, swirling colors to offer a lesser-told story to a new generation.” – Publishers Weekly
"Benjamin's vibrant, mixed-media illustrations bring this historical setting to life while also emphasizing specific details (mezuzot, six-pointed stars, Shabbat candles) that contemporary children will recognize." – Booklist
"Benjamin's vibrant, mixed-media illustrations bring this historical setting to life while also emphasizing specific details (mezuzot, six-pointed stars, Shabbat candles) that contemporary children will recognize." – Booklist
"Benjamin’s sumptuous-hued mixed-media illustrations swirl with color and movement in this story of an underrepresented aspect of Jewish history." – Horn Book
ISBN: 9781646144341
Dimensions: 279mm x 216mm x 9mm
Weight: 318g
40 pages