Side one reveals that Toby Belfer never had a Christmas tree. Hers was the only Jewish family in the little country town where she lived with her parents and grandmother. The Belfers celebrated Hanukka-they didn't celebrate Christmas like the rest of the families in town. Toby invited all of her friends to join in her family's Hanukkah celebration, just as she joined in theirs by trimming their Christmas trees and singing Christmas carols. All of the children had a wonderful time learning and listening and playing games and eating scrumptious food! In the end, everyone was happy that Toby Belfer never had a Christmas tree.

On side two, a Passover tale recounts not only how Toby and her friend help her family prepare for the festival, but also tells the story of how the Israelites came to freedom more than three thousand years ago. Donna comes to understand the symbols of the Seder supper, the legend of the prophet Elijah, and why Jewish people only serve certain food like unleavened bread during the celebration.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/NARRATOR

Gloria Teles Pushker was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She received a B.A. from Loyola University in New Orleans, and later earned a master of education degree with a concentration in children's literature from the University of New Orleans. She also is the author of Toby Belfer Never Had a Christmas Tree, Toby Belfer's Seder: A Passover Story Retold, and A Belfer Bar Mitzvah, all published by Pelican.

TOBY BELFER NEVER HAD A CHRISTMAS TREE/ TOBY BELFER'S SEDER AUDIOCASSETTE
Narrated by Gloria Teles Pushker
Musicians: Victoria C. May (vocals), Steven C. Daum (guitar)
Total running time: 35 minutes
ISBN: 1-56554-183-9
EAN: 978-1-56554-183-2