"A fast-paced picture book that combines the drama foreshadowing the American Revolution, the heroic Maccabee fight for freedom, and Sephardic Hanukkah customs . . . Readers can enjoy this lively historical vignette while feeling proud to see Jews at the founding of our nation." --Ellen G. Cole for the Association of Jewish Libraries" . . . Combines years of research with the kind of imagination that will have children reading this book over and over. . . .There's even a surprise piece of trivia, showing the kind of cups President George and Martha Washington used for drinking chocolate." --Donald H. Harrison, San Diego Jewish World"Lehman-Wilzig and Prinz set their story during Hanukkah 1773 in the American colonies, centering Sephardic New England Jews. Protagonist Joshua's friend Isaac and his family have meager resources to celebrate Januca (the Spanish name for Hanukkah), but innovation from Joshua, and chocolate (an alternative to tea!) imported by Joshua's father and his crew, provide help. The Boston Tea Party actually took place on the last night of Hanukah; the (somewhat lengthy) text draws connections between the colonists' "fight for freedom" and the Maccabees'. The muted palette of Combi's digital-looking illustrations lends a historic feel. Back matter provides more information about Hanukkah, the Boston Tea Party, and early American Sephardic Jews--and, of course, recipes. --Shoshana Flax, Horn Book"Brings history to life and illuminates Jewish culture in colonial times. It's wonderful to read how Hanukkah was celebrated in Newport during the 1700's. It made me feel right at home!" --Rabbi Marc Mandel, historic Touro Synagogue, Newport, Rhode Island"The Boston Chocolate Party is a child's tale of ingenuity, resilience, and friendship, and embeds these values in an early American history too little known by our children. This book combines whimsy with history in a delicious mix that goes perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate, and a young person's capacity to imagine the past." --William Cutter, Prof. emeritus of Literature, Education, and Human Relations, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of ReligionAnyone looking for a new Hanukkah-themed children’sbook might take interest in a little-known fact in American history:the famous Boston Tea Party of 1773 took place on the last night ofthe Jewish freedom festival. Fictionalizing the coincidence, TamiLehman-Wilzig, Rabbi Deborah R. Prinz, and Fede Combi invite readers toimagine a connection between the Maccabees’ rebellion and the heroicuprising of American colonists against Great Britain. Indeed, TheBoston Chocolate Party follows Sephardic Jews as they seek freedom andprosperity in their new home. When unfair British taxation policies galvanizepatriots to protest, the lives of Jews and their neighbors intersect ina surprising way.At the beginning of the book, Joshua Mendes and his fatherare waiting for a ship to dock in Newport harbor. This impressive vesselis bringing a cargo of chocolate beans for shipment to Boston, whereresidents will use them to make a substitute beverage for politicallycontroversial tea. But here at home in Newport, the Sephardic communityis already prepared to convert the beans into a delicious drink, and toserve it on the festival of Janucá (Hanukkah). A cozy scene ofcelebration features the family enjoying hot chocolate, the fried doughpastry buñuelos, and the glow of the chanukiyah placed in thewindow. A portrait of the Rambam (Maimonides) hangs in a place ofhonor over the fireplace. The picture offers passage into discussionabout different cultures within the Jewish world.When Joshua finally convinces his parents to allowa visit to his friend Isaac in Boston, the two stories of courageousuprising, Jewish and American, cross paths. Isaac’s family, like that ofmany others in the colonies, is struggling. His widowed mother can barelyput food on the table, let alone provide the extra delicacies expected forthe holiday. Personal initiative and communal aid matter equally whenIsaac’s mother, with the help of her friends, opens a small businessready to serve chocolate to eager Bostonians. The food becomes botha means to economic betterment and an act of patriotism.As Joshua and Isaac look through the window, they suddenlybecome witnesses to a dramatic turning point in the colonies, withIsaac noting that the demonstrators outside "look angry." He commentsthat the "tea party" taking place does not look like a party atall — although the authors point out in their afterword that the titleof "Boston Tea Party" was not used at the time the protest took place.Given that this is a book for young children, the authors choose to makethe connection explicit.Just like any celebration of Hanukkah/Janucá, there are many ingredients contributing to this appealing new book. Jewish multiculturalism,community support in the face of adversity, and a thirst for freedomall add up to an engaging story about a Jewish American past. --Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council
