On a Chariot of Fire: The Story of India’s Bene Israel

by Erica Lyons, Siona Benjamin (illustrator)

Featuring the other side of the Hanukkah story, A Chariot of Fire follows the Bene Israel community, as they flee Israel to find a new home in India.Two thousand years ago, a ship sailed east, alone on an endless sea.The people onboard were fleeing the same war that the Maccabeesfought in the ancient land of Israel. They took with them their faithand their traditions, knowing they would sail for more than a year.When a great storm crushed their boat on the shores of India, only a few survived.Some say the prophet Elijah plucked them from the sea.But they were welcomed by the people of the new land.They survived and adapted, with new spices for their food andnew clothing and culture to borrow, but never strayed from their faith.They say Elijah came back down from Heaven in a chariot of fire, to praisethis community, the Bene Israel of India for their strength, and their belief.Here, for all to share, is their story.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Jewish

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Erika Dreifus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, informative book bringing together the signature talents of author Erica Lyons—who specializes in spotlighting lesser-known elements of Jewish history—and artist Siona Benjamin.

[Hannah]

I found the frame device pretty unnecessary, but this is a beautiful picture book overall! Thanks to Levine Querido for the copy.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

A window into the history and culture of Judaism in India...

A mother tells her daughter the story of why their people left Israel thousands of years ago and settled in India. She ends with explaining that this celebration is another way to observe the revolt of the Maccabees against the Syrian-Greek occupiers of ancient Israel, known to many as Hanukkah.

Erica Lyons is quite the storyteller. The hardships these migrants faced when coming to a new place, the emotions and desperation they felt, balance nicely with the hope of the return of Eliyahu HaNavi and annual celebration of his departure. The pacing was just right and kept its forward movement.

Illustrations by Siona Benjamin are stellar. Created by sketching with pencil, applying layers of gouache paint, used brush pens, colored pencils, and art markers to create it. The final art leaps off the page at the reader. From the feathery-looking adornments on the title page, the flow of the mother's sari seen in both the story and on the endsheets, the stunning 2-page sunset as the migrants leave their homeland never to return, and the bold colors and action of the warriors as they battle each other during the rebellion, it just does not let up. Bold and beautiful.

Pull this gem out during Hanukkah for a different perspective on the holiday.

Highly Recommended for grades K-3 (The violence of the attack is pretty vicious and might disturb very young children.)

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful picture book sharing the story of persecuted Jews fleeing persecution in Israel by boat. When a huge storm batters their vessel, most perish but 14 are washed onto the shores of India where they are welcomed, establish a home incorporating elements of the country’s culture but always honoring their Jewish heritage.

Not a typical subject for a children’s picture book, but the tremendous eye-appeal, smooth-flowing and lyrical text and the story of a miraculous rescue are sure to garner the attention of many in grades K-3. The beauty and multi-media aspect of the illustrations (pencil, gouache, brush pens, colored pencils and art markers) make it a model for use in art classrooms of all ages. Back matter includes more details of this group of Jewish immigrants to India as well as the arrival of two other groups of those fleeing Israel, the Cochin/Malabari Jews and the Baghdadi Jews. Possible application in classrooms of a variety of ages in discussions of immigration, persecution, and Jewish history.

On a Chariot of Fire: The Story of India’s Bene Israel might be considered a “niche” book for elementary collection but with its various applications, should be considered by librarians for purchase.

Thanks for the review copy, Levine Querido. Your policy of diverse representation is much appreciated.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have said it many times: it is always humbling when you learn something new from reading a book for children! This is a story I have never heard before; reinforces how very little I know about India and Israel. I will now look for more books about Bene Israel that are for adults. Really beautiful art that is vibrantly Chagallian.

[Laura Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and beautiful!

[Martha Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vibrant pictures illustrate the story of India's Bene Israel Jews who traveled to India to avoid persecution in the time of the Maccabees. Nice to leran about Jews from a different part of the world.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a stunning story of the Bene Israel, or ancient tribe of Jews who landed in India millennia ago. Erica Lyons is a masterful storyteller and Siona Benjamin's illustrations are museum quality pieces of art, each and every one.