Memories of Babi

Endearing memories of a little Hungarian girl's summertime visits to her grandmother's pre-W.W.II Ukrainian country home incorporate Jewish values of kindness, generosity, honesty, help for the less fortunate, lessons of mitzvot, and special moments filled with a little adventure, amusing escapades, and lots of love. Siegel's eight short episodic stories reflect her own childhood experiences of country life in a Jewish village where she learned farming skills, chicken plucking, mushroom hunting, superstitious-based activities, cooking and the communal annual Lekvar (prune spread) making. The certainty of death through a loved-one's annual remembrance is addressed in a final piece entitled "Yahrzeit", adding a second dimension to life to a wondering child's knowledge. Old world dialogue and descriptive passages provide insight into yesterday's good honorable ways with themes transcending to a modern, meaningful Jewish life. RITA SOLTAN - WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI