Eleven-year-old Faiga is the oldest of three children. Her family lives on a farm in Russia during the reign of Czar Nicholas the First. Faiga’s younger sister Tzireleh wants to do everything Faiga does, and often Faiga resents her being in the way. The family observes the holidays and gives tzdakah, even this year when they are having a hard time making ends meet. Faiga struggles to find a way to help the family earn enough money to pay their debts, buy an esrog for Sukkos and have money for tzdakah. She learns that her little sister can be a friend and helper.
This is a sweet story with the feel of All-of- a‑Kind Family. Each chapter is illustrated with pen and ink sketches. The story demonstrates Jewish values of caring for family and for others. There is a short “Historical Note” and a description of each character at the beginning of the book; a glossary and a recipe for Babke are included at the end of the book. Young girls, particularly those who have sisters, will feel a special relationship to the characters in this story. Ages 7 – 10.