Mystery and Meaning in “Sherlock Mendelson and the Missing Afikomen” by David Shawn Klein
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What is the difference between old-fashioned and traditional? The answer is in the eye of the beholder. For example, as I get older, the term “old-fashioned” has more positive connotations for me. It evokes the feeling of “everything was better in the good olde days.” (Don’t worry, I am aware of the myopic lens behind this subjective feeling.) For many people, “old fashioned” means outdated or no longer valid. Similarly, if you consider yourself a “traditional” person, you believe in the enduring value of established customs or beliefs. So it is all good. However, if you are “progressive,” you would like to see traditions to be updated as times, circumstances, and morals change.
This was just a caveat before I could write down that Sherlock Mendelson and the Missing Afikomen by David Shawn Klein is a wonderful, “old-fashioned” children’s book. It is old-fashioned in the most positive sense of the word: the tone is happy, there is a simple and not to blaming answer to the msytery of the story, the overall tone is happy throughout, there is not too much modernity in it, the fonts are playful and easy to read, each of the illustrations, by Bridget Starr Taylor are cheerful little paintings. What is not to like in this sweet little book? It could have been written any decade since Sherlock Holmes was published in 1887.
And here comes the “on the other hand” part: the story intertwines Jewish customs, particularly the Passover Seder, with a mystery narrative. So it is not “traditional” at all. A modern literary figure from secular culture is very much mixed up with a religious holiday. I, for one, fully supported the idea and utterly enjoyed the mashup. I can imagine some very orthodox people objecting to it. I am progressive in thought and appreciate any attempt at making (religious or other) education more fun and relevant for today’s youth. My only concern is to what extent the target age group, age 4 to 8, is familiar with the figure of Sherlock Holmes. I know the figure permeated multiple levels of our culture, but did it reach the youngest ones, too? It does not matter much whether the children are missing the references to the premiere detective as the story is delightful without it. It will add to the joy of the parents who will be reading the book to the children tu
There is another way to look at the tension between modern interests (detective work) and traditional expectations, outlined above: it is a tool to teach about the “old” via the “new”: the importance of communication, understanding between family members, the significance of the afikomen as the symbolic representation of redemption in Jewish culture, balancing personal interests and family obligations. Modern detective work is all about serving tradition on time.
Based on what I wrote so far, you may think it is serious tome, far from it. The book employs wordplay and situational comedy to engage younger readers. One of my favorites was early on: “At first it was a Passover like any other.” A clear reference, as a hidden joke to the traditional question of “why is this night different than any other”. In short, the book effectively uses humor to lighten serious themes and make cultural lessons more accessible. It also touches on all the major parts of the Passover and the Seder, so the lessons to be learned by young Jews are there, too. It may also normalize the related Jewish traditions and customs for a wider audience.
“Sherlock Mendelson and the Missing Afikomen” by David Shawn Klein nimbly intertwines mystery, coming-of-age themes, and cultural exploration. With its fun, age-appropriate, intricate plot and well-crafted characters, the book thoughtfully examines the difficulties in transferring cultural identity in today’s world. It serves as an engaging story and a valuable resource for cultural education.
Disclaimer: I have received a copy of this book and a small amount from the author, which did not affect my review.
Year first published: 2022
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