On All Other Nights, edited by Chris Baron, Joshua Levy, and Naomi Milliner

On All Other Nights uses the perspective of 14 authors to detail every step of the Seder Meal observed by Jewish families during Passover (recipes included).

On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories, edited by Chris Baron, Joshua S. Levy, and Naomi Milliner. Amulet, 2024, 278 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12

Recommended for: ages 10-14

Some Christian churches host Seder meals during Easter week, coordinating with the Passover meal (or “last supper”) Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. The Christian tradition continues, of course, in regular Communion or Lord’s Supper, while the Jewish tradition developed ever-more elaborate rituals around what remains a family meal. This anthology takes an ingenious format: each of the 14 steps of a Seder is explained, followed by 4 thought questions related to its meaning, followed by a short story. Mostly short stories, that is; one poem, one memoir, and one graphic memoir add variety.

Some of the 14 authors may be familiar to our readers, such as Adam Gidwitz, Laurel Snyder, Sofiya Pasternack, Veera Hiranandani, and Noami Milliner. They represent strains of Judaism from India, Eastern Europe, Spain, and Cuba, reflecting just how far the “diaspora” has spread and influenced the world. As in any anthology, the quality of writing is uneven or not to every taste, and one story (easily skipped) involves a nonbinary character with uncles who are married to each other. I found “The Great Handwashing Machine,” a story in verse, touching; Breaking Bread at the Sedar” humorous and warm-hearted, “The Smuggler” suspenseful—those were the standouts.

As in many novels and picture books about Jewish traditions, God does not loom especially large. There’s value in family and tradition, of course, and it’s interesting to see the elements of a Seder so lovingly detailed. I found it curious that the original “four questions” the youngest member of the family is supposed to ask are never revealed. The first one is reflected in the title of this collection: “Why is this night different from all other nights?” But what are the others? These stories reveal family bonds, generational connection, and valued traditions, but not deep faith.

Overall Value: 3.75 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 3.5
• Artistic/literary value: 4

Read more about our ratings here.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Reviews: Follow the author links above to our reviews of their books (Milliner’s and Gidwitz’ are starred).
• Resource: Children of Israel is our book list of Jewish-themed resources for all ages.

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