Two Jewish holidays celebrated in September: New Year (Rosh Hashanah) & Festival of Sukkah; children's picture books

Non-Jewish families would do well to acquaint themselves and their children with various holidays and observances celebrated within the Jewish communities. 

This helps broach understanding and enables ability to function as caring members of society.

These children's books take a sweet look at the Jewish New Year and the Sukkah Festival of Booths both celebrated in September.

The Sweetest Rosh Hashanah [ISBN: 9781536244717]

What is Rosh Hashanah? 

The Jewish New Year festival, held on the first (also sometimes the second) day of Tishri (in September). It is marked by the blowing of the shofar, and begins the ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur.

My thoughts:  A sweetly illustrated story about a Jewish family celebrating the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and the preparations for special sweets they put into this time. It is also a story about extended family relationships and family gathering for a special holiday. It addresses forgiveness and sharing as young Ellie learns to forgive her cousin.

A recipe for Challa bread is included with illustrated instructions. 

A light introduction to understanding Jewish holidays.

About the book: Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with Ellie and her family—and try your hand at some baking and making of your own.

Shorter days and cooler air mean autumn is here. For Ellie, the best part is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Ellie loves helping Mom bake round challahs, sampling the raisins, and assisting Dad with the sweet honey cake. As the house fills with delicious smells and the sky grows dark, her grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins arrive to mark the holiday with them—including bossy Lara. Can Ellie find it in her heart to forgive Lara for “borrowing” her paints last year? As part of a warm family series about festivals, The Sweetest Rosh Hashanah features two activity spreads inviting young readers to make their own challah bread and create a festive card to give to someone they love. Shana Tovah! 

🕎📜✡️

Our Spectacular Sukkah [ISBN: 9781536235104]

What is Sukkah?

The word sukkah literally means a “shaded booth.” In a rather cryptic verse, the Torah tells us to dwell in a sukkah for seven days so that coming “generations shall know that I caused the children of Israel to dwell in sukkot when I took them out of the land of Egypt.”[from https://www.chadbad.org/library]

My thoughts:  A cute story about a Jewish family getting ready to celebrate Sukkah as a reminder of the 40 years of dessert wandering the Jewish people did after escaping Egypt bondage. They are designing and building a spectacular Sukkah and then a storm arises and blows the Sukkah apart and scatters it all over the neighborhood. Kind neighbors pitch in and return it to them.

The story is lovely! The back matter material on the holiday is quite interesting and beneficial. Love the craft included of how to build your own Sukkah.

Another delightful story to educate on Jewish holiday celebrations.

About the book:  Community, connection, and a capricious turn of weather each play a role as a family sets out to create a homemade shelter in celebration of the Jewish Sukkot holiday.

For one excited family, it’s time to build a sukkah in their backyard—a glorious, sturdy sukkah just for them. They can’t wait to eat, play, and sing in it for seven days and watch the stars through it for seven nights. Everything is perfect until . . . whoosh! A sudden, powerful burst of wind crashes through and ruins everything. But wait, could all those neighbors toting stray branches and other bits and pieces help to make this the family’s—and the neighborhood’s—most special Sukkot yet? With its themes of connection, helping, and sharing food, this sweet story from the creative team behind the award-winning Rising has appeal both to Jewish families who mark this harvest holiday every year and to families just learning about it for the first time. Back matter offers more information about Sukkot and instructions on making a miniature sukkah of your own.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Passover: Books for children the learn about Jewish religious observance ✡️

Christians respect and appreciate the Jewish Passover observants as they remember when God brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Passover commemorates the night when the first born son in every home died unless there was the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the door lintels. Hence, the home with the sacrifice blood was "passed over" by the death angel.

The Story of Passover by David A. Adler

ISBN: 9780823429028
Hardcover $15.99 USD

My thoughts:  This well done picture book recounts the story of the captivity of Israelites in Egypt, their persecution by the Egyptians, decree of Pharaoh to kill all newborn male Hebrews (Israelites). The Hebrew mother of the baby Moses placed him in a basket and set it afloat in the river. Moses was discovered by the Egyptian princess and raised as her son.

Later Moses slew an Egyptian and fled. The book then switches to Moses and his brother, Aaron, who, were instructed by God to ask Pharaoh to release the Hebrews; but their request was denied. Then God sent the ten plagues. Then on the tenth plague, the first born son of the Egyptians died but the Angel of Death passed over the homes of the Hebrews without killing the first born son.

I think this is a really good retelling of this horrific period of Biblical history. They do, however, leave out the sacrificial lamb and meal of the Hebrews. They leave out the marking of the door lintels with the blood of the lamb. They leave out the requirement for this blood in order for the Angel of Death to pass over the house thus saving the first born son of the household. I think this most likely because it is too harsh for a young child's book, but since this is a Jewish authored book, there may be a different reason that I, as a Christian, do not understand.

The story is harsh because the captivity period, treatment of the Israelites by Egyptians was harsh, the plagues were horrific. But it is well done and should be well received when read to children by caring, instructive parents.

Exodus 12:21-28 - Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the ...

About the book: With colorful, full-page illustrations, this Passover book for kids 4-8 tells the story of the Jewish holiday while helping children prepare for their own seder.

This simple picture book introduction to the Passover story pairs an engaging retelling with bold illustrations, perfect for young readers. One of the most significant holidays in Jewish tradition, Passover commemorates Moses leading his people out of slavery in Egypt. This Passover book for children recounts the major events of the story in dramatic but accessible language, from Jacob settling in Egypt to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.

The text and images have been vetted for accuracy by a rabbinical authority, and the book includes an author's note about the modern Passover celebration, the seder, and how the different parts of the meal symbolize elements of the story. With its lovely colorful illustrations and simple text, this is the perfect read aloud book to accompany a Passover Haggadah for children and help prepare kids for their own seder, both at home and in the classroom.

Pippa's Passover Plate by Vivian Kirkfield 

My thoughts:  Pippa is a delightful little mouse who is about to prepare for Passover but can't find her favorite Sedar or Passover plate. In a hurry, scurry she goes about her critter neighborhood asking if anyone has seen it. She does eventually find it and they all gather around to enjoy the Passover meal.

ISBN: 9780823441624
Hardcover $17.99 USD

Written in easy rhyme and illustrated sweetly with cute critters amidst the environment they usually enjoy, the book is a delight. Also of note, Jewish readers will enjoy seeking out small indicators that this is indeed a Jewish story - a Star of David on a candle holder, a book titled "The Haggadah," box of Matzos, the Sedar Plate.

A fun book for ages 4 to 8. 

About the book: Sundown is near, and it's almost time for the Seder to begin-- but where is Pippa's special Passover plate?

Pippa the Mouse has been working hard all day-- cleaning her house, setting the table, cooking the meal. Everything looks great-- but her special Seder plate is missing!

Searching through her tiny house turns up nothing, so Pippa ventures out to ask her neighbors if they can help. Bravely, she asks the other animals for help, but the snake, owl, and cat haven't seen her plate, either. But it's almost time for the Seder to begin, so she keeps looking-- and when she finds it, she invites all the other animals home to join her celebration. 

A charming story with a happy ending, Pippa's Passover Plate pairs simple, rhyming text with bright paintings by Jill Weber, illustrator of The Story of Passover and The Story of Esther. In bravely facing her animal neighbors, this adorable little mouse finds not only her missing Seder plate-- but new friends.

Rising by Sidura Ludwig

ISBN: 9781536225495
Hardcover $18.99 USD

My thoughts:  This is such a beautiful book. Lovely, gentle illustrations walk the reader through the story visually and provide hidden innuendoes and clues to family, faith, and imagery. 

The challah bread has six strips that are braided into one load. This represents the six days of labor and day of rest. The title of the book is "Rising." The first line.... "I rise with Ima in the early morning." The next page .... "...Yeast bubbles in the warm water." ... "My hot chocolate and her tea sit beside it, steam from both our cups rising."

Then there is a two page spread for after the dough is set aside in a bowl under a towel. The picture shows a very pregnant Ima resting and the child enjoying the out-of-doors while they wait.... "It rises and we wait. Ima says everything grows in its own time."

The story and the day progresses leading to dinner and Shabbat. ... "We say, Thank you, Hashem, for so many blessings."

An absolutely beautiful book. Perfect for the Jewish home and also for respectfully teaching non-Jewish family about Shabbat and Jewish customs.

About the book: An Association of Jewish Libraries Sydney Taylor Honor Book

A quiet, joyful story celebrating a Jewish mother’s tradition of making challah with her child merges a lyrical text with stunning illustrations—and includes the author’s favorite recipe.

Melt into the nooks and crannies of this book’s unhurried pages, offering a place to rest and a pregnant pause for counting your many blessings—current and imminent! Here, a child and a mother measure, mix, knead, shape, and tuck their dough under a towel like a sleeping baby. Then, as they do every week, they wait while their dough rises, soon to be baked and gratefully shared at a Shabbat gathering with loved ones. Author Sidura Ludwig’s poetic narration captures the experience of a Jewish family as they make challah—a lesson in patience, slowing down, faith, and family. Illustrator Sophia Vincent Guy brings light and warmth to the scene, from a sun-bleached, gossamer curtain to the rising steam from the bread, all rendered in delicate, decorative patterns. Whatever their background, readers will be happy to find the author’s go-to recipe for challah at the end, along with a glossary and an author’s note describing the personal meaning of her family’s weekly ritual.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Children's picture books about Jewish holidays, Purim and Hanukkah [Review & Giveaway - USA

We're looking at a couple of books from Wisdom Tales publishing company that are distinctively Jewish. These are children's books about the celebration of Jewish holidays. I believe that our Christian heritage is rooted in Jesus, but also in those who went before and are brought alive to us in the Old Testament which is also a history of the Jewish peoples. 

Children need to know that others sometimes believe differently and have different holidays. Children won't be confused if taught correctly but will grow to understand and appreciate these differences.

The Dreidel That Wouldn't Spin: A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah by Martha Seif Simpson, illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard

  

My thoughts: In The Dreidel That Wouldn't Spin: A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah approaches and the toyshop owner (in the "old country") has sold all his dreidels.  A dreidel is a spinning toy similar to a "top" and was a beloved toy of Jewish children. While the story teaches virtually nothing about the holiday itself, it does teach how miracles cannot be bought.

The book's back pages include information regarding the decorations which are letters or symbols that are part of the dreidel game and are part of how you play the dreidel game. 

The story itself is of how the dreidel is sold to selfish, demanding individuals and when they couldn't get it to spin, they returned it to the toyshop for a refund of what they paid. Finally, the toyshop owner gives it to a kind, sweet boy for whom the dreidel spins beautifully.

A lovely story.

About the book: This dreidel doesn't work! the father had cried. What do you mean? How can a dreidel not work? the shopkeeper asked. It was certainly the most beautiful spinning top the shopkeeper had ever seen, with magical golden letters on its sides. But it just would not spin for two spoiled children who insisted on owning it! Later, the shopkeeper decides to try it one last time: would it spin for another child, one who carried the true spirit of Hanukkah in his heart? In this beautiful holiday story by award-winning author Martha Simpson, and brought to life by the imaginative illustrations of award-winning illustrator D. Yael Bernhard, the happiness and joy of the Hanukkah miracle will warm the heart of young and old alike with its simple message: wonders still occur for those who are ready for them. Included is a useful appendix that explains Hanukkah, and an explanation on how to play the dreidel game."

  

Esther's Gragger: A Toyshop Tale of Purim by Martha Seif Simpson, Durga Yael Bernhard (Contributor)

 

My thoughts:  The noise of the graggers being played with by shoppers and children is really bothering the toyshop owner. Yet he still purchases additional graggers from the peddler.

After receiving the newer graggers from the peddler, a young boy hurryingly enters the toyshop and selects a gragger beautifully painted that has Queen Esther's name on it to give his sister who is also named Esther. With some reluctance the shopkeeper agrees not to sell it a few hours so the boy can return with adequate funds to purchase it.

Soon a very large boy arrives and rudely demands he be sold the Queen Esther gragger. When told he can not have that one, he bellows loudly and slams his hand on the counter demanding that specific gragger for himself. The shopkeeper is adamant to not sell it to this rude customer telling him that he is not welcome in the toyshop.

The young boy returns and buys the gragger after which the bully confronts him and tried to get the toy from the sister who by now is holding the gragger.

The story ends well with shouting and the noise of the graggers driving the bully away. A well written story about the celebration of Purim which is the celebration of Queen Esther's defiance of Hamman in Jewish history when Hamman sought to rid the kingdom of Jews. Hamman was defeated.

The story of Esther is important in the Biblical context for Christians as well as it is rooted in Jewish history. Purim is a Jewish holiday commemorating Esther. The back pages of this children's book provide non-fiction information about Purim and graggers. 

About the book: Young Esther is given a special gragger (a noisemaker) to celebrate the fun, and sometimes raucous, Jewish festival of Purim. An older boy bullies her to get it for himself, but Esther reacts with great courage and intelligence, her actions reflecting the biblical story on which Purim is based. The lively cast of characters quibble and carouse in a bygone world of warmth, surprise, and generosity. There is even a parade for children only. The appendix helps readers understand the history of Purim, how it is celebrated today, what a "gragger" is, and how to make a simple noisemaker. Following the award-winning The Dreidel That Wouldn't Spin, author Martha Seif Simpson and illustrator D. Yael Bernhard have again created a new toyshop tale of playful language and images that hint at ancient roots and hidden meanings, which are just waiting for young readers to find. This is a tale ideal for reading aloud for fun, but also for learning.

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DISCLOSURE: I received copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and sent directly to winner by publisher, publicist, or author/s.