Quick, Kosher Reads for America’s 250th
Mosaica Press bundles two family-friendly books featuring U.S. presidents, all 50 states, and the Jewish (and Israel) connections behind them.
by COLlive Reporter · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
Summer may be winding down, but for families still looking for something light, educational, and Shabbos-friendly to read, Mosaica Press has a pair of thin books that offer a distinctly Jewish take on American history.
Bundled in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, The Presidents (and the Jews) by Rabbi Doron Kornbluth and 999 Fun Facts About the USA by L. Paz are designed as quick reads rather than comprehensive reference works.
Both are compact enough to slip into a bag, easy to pick up for a few minutes at a time, and written with a clean style suitable for the whole family.
The Presidents (and the Jews) walks readers through every U.S. president, dedicating just a few pages to each. Every chapter includes a brief biography, the president’s years in office, major accomplishments and challenges, and a concise assessment of his legacy. The format encourages readers to keep turning the pages, making it easy to move from one administration to the next without getting bogged down in detail.
The book also lives up to its promise of being a “kosher read.” Difficult chapters of American history are included, but presented with discretion. Bill Clinton’s impeachment, for example, is attributed to “perjury and obstruction of justice” amid investigations surrounding misconduct and scandal in his personal life, without explicit detail, making the book suitable for frum readers of all ages.
What distinguishes the book is the concluding section for every president titled “…and the Jews,” which explores each administration’s relationship with the Jewish community and, where relevant, Israel. The treatment is generally balanced and nuanced. Jimmy Carter’s chapter, for example, notes that he was “for a time” popular with American Jews before explaining that many later viewed him as among the most critical modern presidents, and post-presidents, regarding Israel.
Originally published in 2016, the book concludes with Barack Obama, leaving out Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Given how recently both presidencies unfolded, that omission may ultimately work in the book’s favor, allowing greater historical distance before judging their legacies.
The companion volume, 999 Fun Facts About the USA, takes readers on a state-by-state journey, presenting twenty short facts about each of the fifty states. Every chapter concludes with a Jewish fact connected to that state. Montana, for example, highlights local Shluchim Rabbi Chaim Shaul and Chavie Bruk.
The format makes for an easy browse, with facts that are short enough to read between meals or around the Shabbos table. One online reviewer summed it up simply: “My kids loved this. Perfect Shabbat afternoon activity/read… interesting, kosher, fun.”
Where the book falls short is in its presentation. Its colorful cover, featuring an oversized hamburger as an Americana image, creates the expectation of a visually rich interior. Instead, readers will find no photographs, maps, illustrations, state birds, landmarks, or other visual elements. Including even a handful of images could have broadened its appeal and made it more engaging for younger children and visual learners.
Still, both books deliver what they set out to provide: clean, family-friendly introductions to American history with a Jewish perspective. They are not intended as exhaustive histories, but as enjoyable conversation starters and accessible companions for readers looking to learn a little more about America without committing to hundreds of pages.
Get both books in a discounted bundle at mosaicapress.com
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