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

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 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.

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 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.

Hear about this book from the actual publisher on The Book of Life Podcast's coverage of the Book Expo America conference. Listen online at www.bookoflifepodcast.com, the "Brand Spanking New" June 2008 episode.