WHILE THE CANDLES BURN

In eight stories, Goldin (The Passover Journey, 1994, etc.) seeks to go beyond the specific historical basis for Hanukkah to the themes that the holiday celebrates: ``religious freedom and commitment, faith, courage, charity, rededication, honoring women at Hanukkah, lights, and miracles.'' Several of the stories focus on maintaining faith in the face of persecution. Others take a look at the tension between pride and charity, or explore such timely themes as Arab/Israeli relations or the role of women in Judaism. Only one is specifically a Hanukkah story, but whether original or traditional (with sources cited in the back), all illuminate and celebrate the spiritual teachings of Judaism. Goldin's book is a welcome addition for its broad-based evocation of a rich culture, and while some readers will be bogged down by the introduction and background material, the tales themselves are well-chosen and simply told. Greenstein's illustrations—monoprints overlaid with gouache—have a rustic appeal. A worthwhile collection. (Short stories. 6-11)