On a Chariot of Fire, Erica Lyons
On a Chariot of Fire, Erica Lyons
List: $7.99 | Sale: $5.60
Club: $3.99

On a Chariot of Fire
The Story of India’s Bene Israel

Author: Erica Lyons

Narrator: Soneela Nankani

Unabridged: 10 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 11/12/2024


Synopsis

Two thousand years ago, a ship sailed east, alone on an endless sea. The people onboard were fleeing the same war that the Maccabees fought in the ancient land of Israel. They took with them their faith and their traditions, knowing they would sail for more than a year.

When a great storm crushed their boat on the shores of India, only a few survived.

Some say the prophet Elijah plucked them from the sea.

But they were welcomed by the people of the new land.

They survived and adapted, with new spices for their food and new clothing and culture to borrow, but never strayed from their faith.

They say Elijah came back down from Heaven in a chariot of fire to praise this community, the Bene Israel of India, for their strength and their belief.

Here, for all to share, is their story.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Stephanie on October 05, 2024

A window into the history and culture of Judaism in India... A mother tells her daughter the story of why their people left Israel thousands of years ago and settled in India. She ends with explaining that this celebration is another way to observe the revolt of the Maccabees against the Syrian-Greek......more

Goodreads review by Melanie on October 12, 2024

Beautiful picture book sharing the story of persecuted Jews fleeing persecution in Israel by boat. When a huge storm batters their vessel, most perish but 14 are washed onto the shores of India where they are welcomed, establish a home incorporating elements of the country’s culture but always honor......more

Goodreads review by Jon on January 15, 2025

I have said it many times: it is always humbling when you learn something new from reading a book for children! This is a story I have never heard before; reinforces how very little I know about India and Israel. I will now look for more books about Bene Israel that are for adults. Really beautiful......more

Goodreads review by The Page Ladies on May 14, 2026

This is a stunning look at the Bene Israel community of India. It follows a group of survivors who fled the same war as the Maccabees, eventually washing ashore in India. The Vibe: Lyrical, historical, and deeply moving. Why we loved it: It’s a beautiful reminder of how faith can survive across oceans......more

Goodreads review by Laura on January 13, 2025

Fascinating and beautiful!......more