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The Family with Two Front Doors
Meet the Rabinovitches: mischievous Yakov, bubbly Nomi, rebellious Miriam, solemn Shlomo, and seven more! Papa is a rabbi and their days are full of intriguing rituals and adventures. But the biggest adventure of all is when big sister Adina is told she is to be married at the age of fifteen - to someone she has never met.
Based on the author's real family, the Rabinovitches dance, laugh and cook their way through a life in 1920s Poland.
Based on the author's real family, the Rabinovitches dance, laugh and cook their way through a life in 1920s Poland.
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 3, 2016
'The Family With Two Front Doors' is an intriguingly apt title because there are so many children. An insight into a Jewish family's world of 1920's Poland, which would make a great film. Attractively toned cover where the 'two front doors' refer to the adjoining apartments with the public and home life of the Rabbi , who is the father, and the family domesticity of the mother caring for nine children as she delegates and skills them. Exhausting. And the kosher food requires so much preparation.
Compassionate. Funny. The amusing sketch, with name- and age labelled family is cartoonish and useful initially to sort out 'who is who?' in such a big family of nine children, Then author Anna Ciddor quickly distinguishes by placing her young characters such as Nomi 'doing' the bread making or gefilte fish but simultaneously illustrates the culture.
The reader 'lives' in that world for the length of the book. Realistic details. Lots of food. Shopping. Appropriate clothes. Such a hard-working family which also feeds the beggars, even at the daughter's arranged wedding. Roles are firmly set.Daughters are taught to pluck the chickens, make the gefilte fish and be respectful. Sons have obligations too. Being part of the Rabbi's family confers status, but also obligations. The mother takes pride in her traditional roles and Ciddor hints, via sub-text, that this woman sacrifices her jewellery for her daughter's marriage prospects.
Based on the author's extended family, but told with a young audience in mind, by featuring 10 year old Nomi and allowing the family's experiences to be shown via her perceptions. Well paced to retain 10 year old-plus interest but also cleverly crafted to include customs and an indirect explanation of the culture within an observant Polish Jewish family. Yiddish terms are used, but explained in context and there is a glossary at the back. Well researched, it is not didactic, as the dialogue works well in potentially filmic scenes.
The contrast between local respect within the community and the threat of the outside world is
dramatised when they go on a family picnic, by train outside their area and are yelled at. Two doors are symbolic of dual lives.
Lots of family histories are chronological boredom. This is not. But it would be called faction, tweaked for dramatic interest but founded in extensive research. Highly recommended for mainstream readers interested in diversity. And you can safely recommend it to a 10-13 year old.
Compassionate. Funny. The amusing sketch, with name- and age labelled family is cartoonish and useful initially to sort out 'who is who?' in such a big family of nine children, Then author Anna Ciddor quickly distinguishes by placing her young characters such as Nomi 'doing' the bread making or gefilte fish but simultaneously illustrates the culture.
The reader 'lives' in that world for the length of the book. Realistic details. Lots of food. Shopping. Appropriate clothes. Such a hard-working family which also feeds the beggars, even at the daughter's arranged wedding. Roles are firmly set.Daughters are taught to pluck the chickens, make the gefilte fish and be respectful. Sons have obligations too. Being part of the Rabbi's family confers status, but also obligations. The mother takes pride in her traditional roles and Ciddor hints, via sub-text, that this woman sacrifices her jewellery for her daughter's marriage prospects.
Based on the author's extended family, but told with a young audience in mind, by featuring 10 year old Nomi and allowing the family's experiences to be shown via her perceptions. Well paced to retain 10 year old-plus interest but also cleverly crafted to include customs and an indirect explanation of the culture within an observant Polish Jewish family. Yiddish terms are used, but explained in context and there is a glossary at the back. Well researched, it is not didactic, as the dialogue works well in potentially filmic scenes.
The contrast between local respect within the community and the threat of the outside world is
dramatised when they go on a family picnic, by train outside their area and are yelled at. Two doors are symbolic of dual lives.
Lots of family histories are chronological boredom. This is not. But it would be called faction, tweaked for dramatic interest but founded in extensive research. Highly recommended for mainstream readers interested in diversity. And you can safely recommend it to a 10-13 year old.
November 18, 2018
In a way, this is the best kind of "Holocaust" literature for young children in that it does not mention the Holocaust at all (except in the author's note at the end). I say this, because it focuses on the lives, communities, and individual people before they became victims, rather than the murders and atrocities. The modern adult reader goes in knowing what this family, living in Lublin, Poland in 1920 is headed toward, yet that is not the focus of the story at all.
This is a novel about the family-life of a large Orthodox family. The antics and relationships between the siblings remind one of "All of a Kind Family," even though the setting and religious observance level is different. The children can be impish, yet also very obedient and happy to meet their parents' and community's expectations. Scrapes are quickly resolved.
The book provides a good description of a traditionally observant Orthodox Jewish family. I am very familiar with most of these traditions, yet one explanation was new to me. Before a wedding, the groom lowers the veil over the bride's face. I've always heard it explained that the "badeken" is the groom checking to make sure he's marrying the right bride, so he's not tricked the way the biblical Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah instead of Rachel. This book provides a different and beautiful interpretation: "Bridegroom, veil your bride and show the world it is not her outward beauty you admire, but her inner soul."
This is a novel about the family-life of a large Orthodox family. The antics and relationships between the siblings remind one of "All of a Kind Family," even though the setting and religious observance level is different. The children can be impish, yet also very obedient and happy to meet their parents' and community's expectations. Scrapes are quickly resolved.
The book provides a good description of a traditionally observant Orthodox Jewish family. I am very familiar with most of these traditions, yet one explanation was new to me. Before a wedding, the groom lowers the veil over the bride's face. I've always heard it explained that the "badeken" is the groom checking to make sure he's marrying the right bride, so he's not tricked the way the biblical Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah instead of Rachel. This book provides a different and beautiful interpretation: "Bridegroom, veil your bride and show the world it is not her outward beauty you admire, but her inner soul."
August 25, 2016
I think it was a great book and it showed how different life was back then compared to now. I think it is a great book and it shows how much Jews have changed over the years this is about the eldest daughter getting married and she is nervou that she will not like him and he will be mean. her husband Mordechi All of the family is rushing around and the kids are getting a bit bored so they do a whole lot of things while the mum is stressing out. I really hope Anna writes an other book.
June 1, 2017
Adina is to be married at 15 to a boy she does not know! This is a recreation of life in 1920s Poland for a devout Jewish family as told to the author from her grandmother. It is a life rich in religious ritual that is fascinating. This is written through young eyes which makes it suitable throughout for older children. It is only the author's note at the end that is the kicker.
May 31, 2022
Not rly finished, just boring.
June 5, 2018
This is such a cozy, old-fashioned sort of book. With all of the "problem" books in kid lit, it was refreshing to read a book like this. It would've benefited from explanations of some of the Jewish rituals in the back matter, as I'm sure kids will be curious about the significance.
July 26, 2018
Read the full review with photos here:
https://readersforlife.blog/2018/07/2...
Every now and then, a book comes along that makes you jump with joy, and this is one of them! I started reading it, then I had to hunt through my 10 year old daughter’s room to find it as she kept taking it to read for herself!
“The Family with Two Doors” is a story about a Jewish family with nine children living in Poland in the 1920s. Their father is a Rabbi and the large family live in two houses joined together, hence the title.
The plot is centred around the preparations and celebration of an arranged marriage between Adina and Mordechai. Adina is only 15 years old, but this story is set in a different time and culture when arranged marriages between the young were acceptable. I appreciate the author, Anna Ciddor, didn’t force 21st Century thinking onto these details of the story. I always feel this makes the story and characters more convincing.
For a small space in time, you are transported into the Rabinovitches’ household which is full of busyness, laughter, fluster, sacrifice, joy and dancing. This family knows how to express joy and dance! They are also a Jewish family and along the way you gain an insight into the food and ceremonies of Jewish culture.
My favourite character is one of the young brothers – Yakov. He is mischievous and full of fun. I loved his escapes through the city and the small mishaps he causes.
This story is set before World War II. I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter and was totally engrossed in the story line, but an unspoken shadow hangs over the family. Anna Ciddor has told a true story about her family, relayed to her by her grandmother. The characters are very real and you are left wondering what will happen to them when they grow up. Poland was the most bombed country during the War and the Polish Jews were processed through concentration and death camps. There is a short explanation after the story which will answer these questions.
I found this book in a new releases list amongst hundreds of other books, but the story shines brightly between dark chapters in human history. It is a rare gem which I think every child should read and discover for themselves.
I recommend this title for 8-14 years old. The edition I read is softcover, 208 pages long.
ISBN: 9781925266641
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, Australia, 2016
https://readersforlife.blog/2018/07/2...
Every now and then, a book comes along that makes you jump with joy, and this is one of them! I started reading it, then I had to hunt through my 10 year old daughter’s room to find it as she kept taking it to read for herself!
“The Family with Two Doors” is a story about a Jewish family with nine children living in Poland in the 1920s. Their father is a Rabbi and the large family live in two houses joined together, hence the title.
The plot is centred around the preparations and celebration of an arranged marriage between Adina and Mordechai. Adina is only 15 years old, but this story is set in a different time and culture when arranged marriages between the young were acceptable. I appreciate the author, Anna Ciddor, didn’t force 21st Century thinking onto these details of the story. I always feel this makes the story and characters more convincing.
For a small space in time, you are transported into the Rabinovitches’ household which is full of busyness, laughter, fluster, sacrifice, joy and dancing. This family knows how to express joy and dance! They are also a Jewish family and along the way you gain an insight into the food and ceremonies of Jewish culture.
My favourite character is one of the young brothers – Yakov. He is mischievous and full of fun. I loved his escapes through the city and the small mishaps he causes.
This story is set before World War II. I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter and was totally engrossed in the story line, but an unspoken shadow hangs over the family. Anna Ciddor has told a true story about her family, relayed to her by her grandmother. The characters are very real and you are left wondering what will happen to them when they grow up. Poland was the most bombed country during the War and the Polish Jews were processed through concentration and death camps. There is a short explanation after the story which will answer these questions.
I found this book in a new releases list amongst hundreds of other books, but the story shines brightly between dark chapters in human history. It is a rare gem which I think every child should read and discover for themselves.
I recommend this title for 8-14 years old. The edition I read is softcover, 208 pages long.
ISBN: 9781925266641
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, Australia, 2016
February 13, 2017
An intriguing title and attractive cover led me to choose this as a school holiday read. I try to read some of the quirkier novels during holiday breaks, so I can recommend them to students with specific interests.
1920's Poland. Tales of the daily life of the author's Jewish grandmother and her siblings....all children of a rabbi. There is a warmth to the family episodes and the rituals are truly fascinating .
1920's Poland. Tales of the daily life of the author's Jewish grandmother and her siblings....all children of a rabbi. There is a warmth to the family episodes and the rituals are truly fascinating .
August 10, 2016
A charming and easy read that takes the reader into the world of 1920s Jewish Poland through the lens of a large family preparing for a wedding. The tale is simple and straightforward, yet a rich and interesting introduction for those new to this world, and is therefore perfect for both children and adults who enjoy immersing themselves in a different time and place.
The author has obviously done extensive research, and it comes across in how vividly she is able to bring the story, context, and characters to life. Remaining true to the source, however, also occasionally makes it a difficult read, particularly when watching a child forced into a marriage and the consistent misogyny that disempowers more than half the family.
As a Jewish Pole who is currently undertaking genealogical research, my interest in the tale was intensely personal; the story helped me to visualise all the ways in which I can combine my research into an interesting, informative, and engaging narrative that communicates the outcomes of my research in a way that keeps the stories, traditions, family members, and cultural contexts alive for generations to come.
A joy to read and recommended for a quick jaunt into a time, place, and culture that has so radically changed in the past hundred years.
The author has obviously done extensive research, and it comes across in how vividly she is able to bring the story, context, and characters to life. Remaining true to the source, however, also occasionally makes it a difficult read, particularly when watching a child forced into a marriage and the consistent misogyny that disempowers more than half the family.
As a Jewish Pole who is currently undertaking genealogical research, my interest in the tale was intensely personal; the story helped me to visualise all the ways in which I can combine my research into an interesting, informative, and engaging narrative that communicates the outcomes of my research in a way that keeps the stories, traditions, family members, and cultural contexts alive for generations to come.
A joy to read and recommended for a quick jaunt into a time, place, and culture that has so radically changed in the past hundred years.
March 17, 2016
This book is a joy to read. Set in Lublin in the 1920s, the story revolves around the arranged marriage of 15-year-old Adina Rabinovitch to someone she has never met, as seen mostly through the eyes of 10-year-old Nomi and 8-year-old Yakov. The Rabinovitch family - the rabbi, his wife, and their nine children are all brought vividly to life with warmth and humour. Based on the author's own family and the stories her Nana Nomi told her, the tale is steeped in authentic Jewish ritual and tradition, and the characters, re-imagined by the author, are both highly relatable and uniquely drawn. The prose is delightful, and the illustrations charming. I found myself going back to look at them again and again.
November 18, 2016
If you have ever wondered about the lives and rituals of children and adolescents in a Rabbi's family then this is a really nice introduction. The narrative follows the transitions of the female children as they take on responsibilities for family meal preparation and religious rituals leading up to the marriage of the eldest daughter in the between the wars period. It also contains the undercurrent of prejudice that lead to the Holocaust. It is a valuable and non-confronting and easy read for concepts such as difference and diversity, authority prospective and character. I would love to see either a companion recipe book for all of the delicious food the girls cook or recipes inserted into latter editions. The glossary at the back is a valuable appendix.
August 29, 2021
[CBCA Notable for younger readers 2017]
I picked this up expecting it to be another Holocaust story set in Poland but how wrong I was. This is the story of the Rabinovitch family, their father is a Jewish Rabbi and they live in a town outside of Warsaw. It is the tale of everyday life in a Jewish family and at the centre of the story as narrator is Nomi (who is a direct descendant of the author). Their life is told very simply with all the fun and frolic of a 10-year-old child and I thought it was very well written. It sets the stage for the many Holocaust stories that follow; how Jewish people were just living their life in these towns, minding their own business before the terrible atrocities they endured.
I picked this up expecting it to be another Holocaust story set in Poland but how wrong I was. This is the story of the Rabinovitch family, their father is a Jewish Rabbi and they live in a town outside of Warsaw. It is the tale of everyday life in a Jewish family and at the centre of the story as narrator is Nomi (who is a direct descendant of the author). Their life is told very simply with all the fun and frolic of a 10-year-old child and I thought it was very well written. It sets the stage for the many Holocaust stories that follow; how Jewish people were just living their life in these towns, minding their own business before the terrible atrocities they endured.
June 16, 2018
I picked this up on a whim in the children's section at the library and read the whole little thing in a day. I love the simple yet beautiful way the lives of the children are portrayed. I wish I could have all my 8th graders read this before we start our Anne Frank/Holocaust unit so they understood that the Jews in concentration camps and those killed in the street were not just poor, mistreated, starving, prisoners; they were happy families with strong traditions, hopes and dreams, who played games, loved each other, were part of a community, and were just regular kids. This was based on the author's grandmother and her siblings, growing up in Poland in the 1920's.
Of course I cried through several parts, just because they were so touching and sweet.
Of course I cried through several parts, just because they were so touching and sweet.
August 1, 2016
Delightfully warm, humorous and loving, the story of a Jewish rabbi's large family in Poland in the 1920s follows the family over a few months between the oldest daughter's learning that her father and a matchmaker have arranged her marriage, and the wedding when she meets the groom for the first time. Although the shadow of the Holocaust hangs over the reader, and the child characters are aware of some hostility in their day to to day lives, I think much of the importance of this book is in portraying this family in a cohesive, stable community, giving us a more rounded picture of the later horrors of history.
April 25, 2016
Get it! Read it! Read it again! Lovely and surprisingly gripping stories of everyday life with a twist - it all happens nearly 100 years ago in Jewish Poland, but to people just like me and you. It's another world - where the teenage oldest sister is about to be married to a man/boy she's never met - yet the characters feel like your own family. it's billed as for kids, but adults will love it just as much.
March 6, 2019
I have always loved Fiddler on the Roof. Because this sweet story takes place among hasidic jewish life before WWI, it has the same flavors as the musical. However, the tragedy is absent, making it a good fit for mature younger readers. It would be a good example of historical context, since we no longer believe in arranged marriage and 15 is ENTIRELY too young for any kind of marriage. (Opinions free for the taking.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2018
Interesting book! I know very little about the Jewish culture, especially the traditions from this time period, so it was eye-opening. I’m curious which ones remain bc I’m kind of hoping a good bit of them have become outdated where women are concerned.
The focus on Nomi was great and lent a good voice to the piece.
The note at the end about the author’s grandmother’s family really got to me.
The focus on Nomi was great and lent a good voice to the piece.
The note at the end about the author’s grandmother’s family really got to me.
November 20, 2016
Found this one by accident on our State Library Of Queensland EBOOK platform. Sweet, interesting snapshot of a loving Jewish Family, set in 1920's in Lubin Poland getting the eldest daughter married. When I got to the glossary, I was astounded how much I knew.
September 30, 2018
Historical Fiction. Family story that takes place in 1920’s Poland. Daily life of a Jewish family preparing for the wedding of their 15 year old daughter. It was very educational, as I’m not Jewish. It was interesting learning about the Jewish culture. Recommended for 3rd to 5th grade.
February 27, 2016
It's warm, funny, loving and goes inside the traditions and relationships of the Rabinovitch family in Jewish Lublin, Poland, in the 1920s .
Worth reading twice.
November 28, 2016
This was a most delightful book, telling a story of a family living in Poland between the two world wars. It revealed information about Jewish traditions, and was very interesting.
May 25, 2017
a lovely story, beautifully written. I wish there were more gorgeous stories about this family.
April 12, 2019
Fun Yiddish tale great for kids.
January 11, 2023
The first time I read 'The Family With Two Front Doors' was four years ago in early 2018, and now I do so again. When I originally read it, it taught me much about my self and my religion, something that's often lacking in children's media.
The first lesson it taught me was that people all believe in Judaism in their ways. Before reading this book I more or less thought of Jews as two separate groups, extremely religious people and very secular people. But in this book the characters though all ultra-orthodox jews have different thoughts and perspectives about how their religion works. For example, Shlomo takes the word of G-d literally, and obeys all His commands, while Miriam takes a much more secular approach, oftentimes criticizing her community for its many faults. The second thing this book taught me is that Jews can enjoy being Jewish. Though the many different characters in this book approach their community differently, they all love being Jewish. This is different than the other books I have read with Jewish characters, most of them only celebrate holidays or research their religion as the adults in their community tell them to. Of course, there are people like this, but I still like to see characters who enjoy their religion.
But even then, even going beyond morals this book is spectacular. It is written well overall, showing characters' emotions and bonds in a gentle and friendly way appropriate for its readers.
The first lesson it taught me was that people all believe in Judaism in their ways. Before reading this book I more or less thought of Jews as two separate groups, extremely religious people and very secular people. But in this book the characters though all ultra-orthodox jews have different thoughts and perspectives about how their religion works. For example, Shlomo takes the word of G-d literally, and obeys all His commands, while Miriam takes a much more secular approach, oftentimes criticizing her community for its many faults. The second thing this book taught me is that Jews can enjoy being Jewish. Though the many different characters in this book approach their community differently, they all love being Jewish. This is different than the other books I have read with Jewish characters, most of them only celebrate holidays or research their religion as the adults in their community tell them to. Of course, there are people like this, but I still like to see characters who enjoy their religion.
But even then, even going beyond morals this book is spectacular. It is written well overall, showing characters' emotions and bonds in a gentle and friendly way appropriate for its readers.
October 8, 2024
I enjoy a story with roots in reality, and this book delivers. It is a family story set in Lublin, Poland, in the early 1900s.
The story centres around the marriage of 15-year-old Adina and what this means for her and the whole family, with preparations and rituals filling everyone's arms in the four months before the wedding. The in-laws must be met, the bride pass inspection and the contract finalised. Adina is both excited and terrified of what married life will bring. The older women guide her through the preparations and the younger sister are both intrigued and relieved it is not their turn to be married. The story has a Fiddler on the Roof feel and is filled with rich details of people, places, customs and culture related to Jewish life in that era.
This is a fun read for readers aged eight and more, especially those who enjoy getting to know different cultures.
The illustrations add detail to an already rich story.
The story centres around the marriage of 15-year-old Adina and what this means for her and the whole family, with preparations and rituals filling everyone's arms in the four months before the wedding. The in-laws must be met, the bride pass inspection and the contract finalised. Adina is both excited and terrified of what married life will bring. The older women guide her through the preparations and the younger sister are both intrigued and relieved it is not their turn to be married. The story has a Fiddler on the Roof feel and is filled with rich details of people, places, customs and culture related to Jewish life in that era.
This is a fun read for readers aged eight and more, especially those who enjoy getting to know different cultures.
The illustrations add detail to an already rich story.
April 12, 2022
I bought this book at the tip shop last weekend, for the adorable cover. This story is set in Poland 100 years ago. Nomi is 10yo, one of nine children (plus another four babies that died). Swipe to see the family. I referred to this drawing often, as well as the glossary of Hebrew and Yiddish words in the back. This was a fascinating and educational glimpse into a strictly religious Jewish family, with all their very strange customs and traditions (and superstitions). Nomi was the grandmother of the Australian author, and only three of the children made it through WW2. But this is a sweet little story about a short period in her childhood.
November 14, 2020
A fascinating look into the world of Jewish family living in Poland prior to World War II that follows the events leading up to the marriage of the eldest daughter (15years) to Mordechai, a boy she had never met. Beautifully written and beautiful captures the happiness of a family that, from the Authors notes, will be torn apart when World War II hits. What a beautiful memory to capture and treasure forever.
May 26, 2025
Like All of a Kind Family, this children’s book tells the story of a Jewish family in the 1920s. This family is in Poland, though, so only the astute reader knows the warnings in the stones thrown by local children or the maltreatment from police.
I’m glad this book exists but I missed the spirit of the girls in All of a Kind Family. Those children took more initiative, whereas it felt as if so much of this book was just describing their lives, with very little action.
I’m glad this book exists but I missed the spirit of the girls in All of a Kind Family. Those children took more initiative, whereas it felt as if so much of this book was just describing their lives, with very little action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2021
For a book about ordinary daily life, this moves along well. There is some tension about 15-year-old Adina being told to marry someone she has never met, but in general the tone is pleasant and happy.
The conflict comes in the end note, where we find out what happened to the real Rabinovitch children during WW2.
Overall, an intriguing window into life in 1920s Poland.
The conflict comes in the end note, where we find out what happened to the real Rabinovitch children during WW2.
Overall, an intriguing window into life in 1920s Poland.
August 24, 2021
Interesting story, a true account of a large family in 1920’s Poland. So many interesting customs that 100 years later all seem so strange! However it felt a bit short and lacking in depth, none of the characters were all that likeable and there were so many children that they often blended a bit I felt. It read kinda dry and that lessened the interest factor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews