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ReviewsThe Genius Under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
by Eugene Yelchin
in: Biography Nonfiction
Yosef Mendelevich
Yosef always knew he was Jewish. But the Soviet government discriminated against Jewish people and made it impossible to practice Judaism. Yosef and his friends had a plan. They were willing to risk everything! But first, they needed a plane…
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What the Book Is About
Jewish Content and Values
Content Advisory
This is the true story of Yosef Mendelevich, a man who risked his life to alert the world to the plight of Soviet Jews.
Mendelevich is one of the most famous refuseniks, or Russian Jews who were denied permission to emigrate to Israel and other countries. Although he grew up in a Communist family and an antisemitic community, Mendelevich devoted his life to Judaism. After a daring (but failed) attempt to hijack a plane, he survived years in a labor camp before finally making it to Israel, where he still lives.
The tension and suspense in this incredible true story will keep readers turning pages, and Mendelevich’s courage and perseverance will inspire them.
Mendelevich is one of the most famous refuseniks, or Russian Jews who were denied permission to emigrate to Israel and other countries. Although he grew up in a Communist family and an antisemitic community, Mendelevich devoted his life to Judaism. After a daring (but failed) attempt to hijack a plane, he survived years in a labor camp before finally making it to Israel, where he still lives.
The tension and suspense in this incredible true story will keep readers turning pages, and Mendelevich’s courage and perseverance will inspire them.
- Mendelevich and his family are Jews living in the Soviet Union during a time of increasing antisemitism.
- Mendelevich learns about Judaism through his aunt’s letters from Israel, Hebrew books, and secret Jewish lessons.
- Even when he is in a labor camp, Mendelevich wears a kippah (head covering) and celebrates Shabbat, Passover, and Hanukkah.
- Mendelevich’s commitment to Judaism and Israel is unwavering, even in the face of life-threatening circumstances.
During his time in the labor camp, Mendelevich was beaten for wearing a kippah and later he went on a hunger strike to protest the confiscation of his Hebrew books. The difficult details in this story are told in an age-appropriate way.
What the Book Is About
This is the true story of Yosef Mendelevich, a man who risked his life to alert the world to the plight of Soviet Jews.
Mendelevich is one of the most famous refuseniks, or Russian Jews who were denied permission to emigrate to Israel and other countries. Although he grew up in a Communist family and an antisemitic community, Mendelevich devoted his life to Judaism. After a daring (but failed) attempt to hijack a plane, he survived years in a labor camp before finally making it to Israel, where he still lives.
The tension and suspense in this incredible true story will keep readers turning pages, and Mendelevich’s courage and perseverance will inspire them.
Mendelevich is one of the most famous refuseniks, or Russian Jews who were denied permission to emigrate to Israel and other countries. Although he grew up in a Communist family and an antisemitic community, Mendelevich devoted his life to Judaism. After a daring (but failed) attempt to hijack a plane, he survived years in a labor camp before finally making it to Israel, where he still lives.
The tension and suspense in this incredible true story will keep readers turning pages, and Mendelevich’s courage and perseverance will inspire them.
Jewish Content and Values
- Mendelevich and his family are Jews living in the Soviet Union during a time of increasing antisemitism.
- Mendelevich learns about Judaism through his aunt’s letters from Israel, Hebrew books, and secret Jewish lessons.
- Even when he is in a labor camp, Mendelevich wears a kippah (head covering) and celebrates Shabbat, Passover, and Hanukkah.
- Mendelevich’s commitment to Judaism and Israel is unwavering, even in the face of life-threatening circumstances.
Content Advisory
During his time in the labor camp, Mendelevich was beaten for wearing a kippah and later he went on a hunger strike to protest the confiscation of his Hebrew books. The difficult details in this story are told in an age-appropriate way.
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