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September 7, 2001/Elul 19, 5761, Vol. 53, No.48
Books educate, entertain
BETH OLSON
Staff Writer
"Days of Awe: Stories for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur" by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Erika Weihs (Viking Penguin, $13.95 hardcover)
This book begins with an introduction to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur and the themes of teshuvah (repentance), tefilah (prayer) and tzedakah (charity). Following the introduction are three stories, each of which focuses on one of the themes of the holidays.
"The Samovar," based on I.L. Peretz's short story "Seven Years," tells the story of Haskel, a glovemaker, and his wife, Rivka. The prophet Elijah brings to Rivka a tarnished samovar, a Russian urn used for making tea, for safe keeping - with the promise of good luck.
When Rivka gives tzedakah to a poor man, she notices a spot on the samovar shines. The more charitable the couple becomes, the more the samovar shines and the greater fortune that is bestowed upon them.
"The Shepherd" is the story of a man who prays to God in his own way, but with honesty and love. After a rabbi reprimands the shepherd for not praying "properly," the man is ashamed and stops his daily prayers. Eventually, the shepherd is visited by an angel who teaches him that one should always pray with a pure heart.
"Rabbi Eleazar and the Beggar" is a short story that focuses on the forgiveness that follows true repentance.
"The Samovar" is an entertaining folktale, but it's unlikely that the other two stories will hold a young reader's interest.
This book is recommended for ages 8-12.
"On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur" by Cathy Goldberg Fishman, illustrated by Melanie W. Hall (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16 hardcover)
This book is a great introduction to the High Holidays for children in the primary grades. In simple language, the story is told from the perspective of a young girl and follows her through the holidays, explaining the traditions and symbols along the way. Each page is illustrated with intriguing pictures in fall colors.
This picture book is recommended for ages 5 and up.
"Why Does it Always Rain on Sukkot?" by Susan Schaalman Youdovin, illustrated by Miriam Nerlove (Albert Whitman & Company)
This picture book examines the major holidays throughout the Jewish year.
The story takes place in the Great Meeting Hall of Heaven, at a meeting in which the chief angel bestows a gift upon each holiday - represented in the story by a person. For example, Shabbat is a bride who receives a kiddush cup, Rosh Hashana is a young man who is given a shofar and Yom Kippur is a gentle old woman who receives a white robe.
The story continues through the holidays. Once all the gifts have been given out, Sukkot begins to cry - hence the rain on Sukkot - until the angel shows him that his gift is too large to fit in the meeting room - a sukkah.
The book doesn't go into much detail about each holiday, but it is a good general introduction to the holidays and their symbols.
This picture book is recommended for ages 5 and up.
"Sophie and the Shofar: A New Year's Story" by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Rosalind Charney Kaye (UAHC Press, $12.95 hardcover)
Sophie's Russian cousin, Sasha, moves in next door to her family. They enjoy playing together and as the new year approaches, Sophie's father asks her to teach Sasha about traditions of the holidays. Sasha is intrigued, particularly by Papa's shofar that he is not allowed to touch.
When Papa's shofar disappears, Sophie blames the theft on Sasha. While the family sits in High Holiday services, the family dog runs in with the shofar - that he had buried like a bone. Both Sasha and Sophie learn a lesson in forgiveness.
Although the characters in the story aren't particularly likeable, a reading of the book could be the catalyst for a parent-child conversation about not only forgiveness, but trust and honesty, as well.
This book is recommended for ages 4 and up.
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