In this companion volume to A Different Light: The Hanukkah Book of Celebration (Devora Publishing, 2000), Noam Sachs Zion and Barbara Spectre provide additional readings and insights on the holiday of Hanukkah for reflection and inspiration. According to the title page, this book presents "pluralistic perspectives on the Festival of Lights: a broad-ranging anthology of short essays by thinkers, historians, and scientists on Hanukkah themes, [as well as] profiles in modern Jewish courage: a collection of dramatic stories about contemporary Jewish heroes great and small and their inner search for courage." This book has readings to suit any need for the study of Hanukkah, from Hasidic to Reform, and learn how various ideas about the holiday evolved.

Included in this volume are interpretations of the ritual of candle lighting, historical perspectives on the time of the Maccabean revolt, an exploration of possible analogies between the mystical Jewish and the modern scientific views of light, and the family peacemaker. Also provided are biographical sketches of modern Jews who have carried on the spirit of the Maccabees, as well as illustrations of menorahs throughout the ages.

This volume would enhance any library, including school, synagogue, and youth group as well as public and academic libraries serving educators

Association Of Jewish Libraries Newsletter
September/October 2001