The Miracle Jar: A Hanukkah Story Book

Bestselling author Audrey Penn brings the spirit of Hanukkah and the possibility of modern miracles to readers in her familiar warm-hearted style. In this new title, Sophie's family is inspired by the story of the original miracle when they face running out of oil during Hanukkah. They create their own Miracle Jar and find the oil stretches just enough for the eight days of holiday treats. Thus, readers are given a story of faith and divine presence that transcends place and time.

Children's Literature

Outside, the weather is heavy with snow; inside the house, it is warm and cozy. It's also the first night of Hanukkah—perhaps a hundred years ago—in "the Old Country." Eight-year-old Sophie and her younger brother Ruben are so excited about the upcoming celebration that they offer their gifts ahead of time: Sophie sweeps floors, and Ruben polishes the cherished brass menorah their grandfather crafted fifty years earlier. Along with lighting the family heirloom, Sophie eagerly anticipates another holiday tradition: a different fried treat each night of Hanukkah. Her mother is willing to comply with her daughter's wishes, but there's an unexpected hitch: the family is almost out of cooking oil, and they cannot get more because of the snow. Naturally, this situation leads Dad to explain the miracle of long ago when the Maccabees' scant amount of oil lasted eight days. The tale inspires Sophie to try for a similar miracle, making their oil last through the holiday. For the next seven nights, the menorah is lit, the dreidl spun, and traditional fare like potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts prepared and enjoyed. But by the last night, all the oil is gone or is it? Penn enables the reader to identify with Sophie and her world, transcending time and place with her gentle, warm storytelling. Lyon's artwork imparts a soft, old-fashioned quality that complements the story nicely. The only disappointment about this book is the complete lack of recipes. Not only would their inclusion have opened up a fun cooking opportunity, it would have been interesting to see and try recipes from so long ago. Reviewer: Naomi Milliner