Built by Angels: The Story of the Old-New Synagogue

by Mark Podwal

Hardcover, 2009

Status

Available

Call number

E 296.46 POD

Publication

HMH Books for Young Readers (2009), Edition: 1st hardcover edition, 48 pages

Description

As legend tells it, the Old-New Synagogue in Prague was built by angels, and later was home to a golem who remains locked away in the building to this day. In lyrical prose, Mark Podwal shares the story of the world's oldest active synagogue, which was completed in 1270. Throughout the years, this sacred place of prayer and celebration has endured plagues, wars, and the Nazi regime. Its story is part legend, part history, and one that stands as a testament to the perseverance of the Jewish people. Includes an author's note and bibliography. Juvenile Fiction AUTHOR Mark Podwal is the author and illustrator of numerous books, including Jerusalem Sky: Stars, Crosses, and Crescents; A Sweet Year: A Taste of the Jewish Holidays; and The Menorah Story. He has received awards from the Society of Illustrators and the Jewish Book Council, his drawings have appeared in the New York Times for more than thirty years, and his work is represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum, among many others. He lives in New York, where he also practices medicine. *… (more)

Library's rating

Library's review

Beautiful illustrations, and hints of mystery. "A synagogue with as many stories as stones." In the end, none of these stories are really told. There is just a cursory listing of legends and superstitions. Also, it makes a political statement -- that the stones of the synagogue are only borrowed
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until they are used to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem one day. The book is based on legends about an actual syngagoue, the Altneuschul or Prague, the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe. - Marla S.
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Barcode

4062

Language

User reviews

LibraryThing member Adrian.Gaytan
The art work of this book is something you would find at a museum. The theme is from a religious point of view yet it offers historical perspective.The story tells of the way a synagogue was built. It tells of how angels built the building from stone leaves and stones of all sizes then put together
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by the angels. I like this story because it puts the reader on that side of the world and discuss many different ways cultures practice religion. Great opportunity to use book for a conversation starter.
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ISBN

0152066780 / 9780152066789
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