Historical fiction is a wonderful way to introduce young readers to unknown historical events. Rachelle Burk’s picture book A MITZVAH FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON (Creston Books, 2024) illustrated by Chiara Fedele tells the story of Bella, who is excited to learn that George Washington is coming to visit her town of Newport. She wants to find a special way to let him know the Jewish community appreciates his support. The illustrations depict the setting in great detail, giving the reader a sense of time and place. Inspired by a true story, A MITZVAH FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON brings a slice of history alive for young readers. Welcome back, Rachelle!
How did you first learn about George Washington’s visit to the Jewish community of Newport, Rhode Island?
The discovery began with a title that popped into my head: George Washington Schlepped Here. I decided it would make a good humorous Jewish children’s story. So I started researching any connection, even a loose one, between George Washington and the Jewish people, or perhaps just some place Washington had visited that involved a Jewish community. That’s when I discovered an important part of our nation’s history that I had never heard about: The first time George Washington spoke about religious freedom in America occurred during his visit to Newport, R.I. in 1790, just after the ratification of the Constitution. The visit was followed by an exchange of letters between Washington and the leader of Newport’s Jewish community, Moses Seixas. I knew immediately this was the story I’d write.
Can you tell me a bit about the research you did once you discovered this little piece of history? Anything you found interesting that did not make it into the book?
Oh yes–the title itself! In my first draft, the father tells the children that George Washington is “schlepping” all the way to their city, so they need to welcome him. But when I researched more about the Jewish settlers of Newport, I discovered that they (and most Jews in the country at that time) were Sephardic, having originated in Spain and Portugal. Yet, the word “shlepped” is a Yiddish word used by Jews from Eastern Europe. So not only did that quote have to be deleted, but also the very title that inspired the story! (One day I’ll use it for another book.)
What were your thoughts when you first saw the illustrations by Chiara Fedele?
I was totally thrilled! I had been familiar with her exceptional colonial style (the reason Creston Books chose her for this project), and her art far exceeded my high expectations! Chiara’s attention to historical details is amazing. For example, the buildings in Newport’s town square are accurately depicted from old paintings. One of my favorite spreads is the one where the children are holding up welcome signs in Hebrew and English. Although it’s not indicated in the text, the red building next to them is Touro Synagogue as it looked in 1790. (It is the oldest synagogue in North America). I also love the port scenes, with the intricate and extraordinary details of the ships.
What do you hope young readers take away from A MITZVAH FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON?
From the child characters in the story, I hope that readers will discover that, even as children, you can make your voices heard. From the broader historical context of the story, I hope they will remember that the right to worship freely is one of America’s key principles and should not be taken for granted.
Thank you, Rachelle!
Rachelle Burk writes fiction and nonfiction books for children. She also entertains kids as Mother Goof Storyteller and Tickles the Clown. Rachelle is a retired social worker who enjoys traveling and making mosaic art. Visit rachelleburk.com.