A Mitzvah for George Washington

By Rachelle Burk

Illustrated by Chiara Fedele
 

Children can feel small, but they can still make a big difference, as Bella and her friends do when George Washington comes to visit their town. Based on an actual event, Bella and her friends sing their thanks for religious freedom, inviting the reader to sing along with them.

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"America’s first president was a beacon of hope to the Jewish community of Newport, Rhode Island.

Based on actual events and people, this story details George Washington’s visit to Newport on August 17, 1790, after Rhode Island’s ratification of the Constitution. He also came to raise support for the Bill of Rights, which would guarantee religious freedom. As the narrative begins, everyone is excited about Washington’s arrival, including 9-year-old Bella Seixas. Her father, Moses, head of Congregation Yeshuat Israel, has told her that Washington is a “guiding light to religious freedom,” because in America, Jews “can pray and celebrate our holidays without fear.” Bella, her younger sister, and several other kids create signs in Hebrew and English to express their gratitude, but the crowds greeting the great man’s ship are so large that they go unnoticed. Undaunted, they make candles—perfect for a “guiding light”—but children aren’t allowed in the inn where Washington is lodging. Bella’s final idea succeeds: The children rush to the port from which Washington’s ship will sail and, with their lit candles, sing to him. Washington notices them at last and smiles gratefully. This fascinating story offers encouraging evidence that young people can do important things. Though solemn, Fedele’s artwork is imbued with a sweetness that makes distant historical events feel immediate.

An uplifting historical account for younger readers, and a necessary reminder of the importance of religious inclusion. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-7)"

— Kirkus Reviews

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"In August of 1790, Bella hears that President George Washington will be visiting Newport, Rhode
Island, where her Jewish family worships in their synagogue and lives in harmony with neighbors
of different religions. Excited to hear of the president’s visit, she discusses the news with her
father, who will address the president during a ceremony in his honor, thanking him and calling
him “a guiding light” for religious freedom. Bella and her friends plan to express their appreciation
by giving him homemade candles and singing to him. Turned away from the ceremony, they run
to the dock. Before he departs, they give him the candles and their song accompanies him
across the water as a small boat carries him to his ship. In the appended author’s note, Burk
defines mitzvah as “a good deed or religious duty,” and, to help readers separate fact from
fiction, she discusses the historical basis for her appealing narrative. In a series of large,
expressive illustrations, Fedele creates sympathetic characters within realistic, period settings.
An effective, history-focused picture book."

— Booklist​