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June 20, 2003/Sivan 20 5763, Vol. 55, No. 43
Children's books explore Shabbat
BETH OLSON
Staff Writer
The long break in Jewish holidays between Shavuot and Tisha b'Av lends itself to a deeper exploration of Shabbat among families who focus their home life around the cycle of the Jewish year. Reviewed here are two excellent books about Shabbat for young families.
Also reviewed is the first in a series of historical fiction stories by Carol Matas about Rosie Lepidus, a young, spunky Jewish girl growing up in the early-20th century.
"Shabbat Shalom!" by Michelle Shapiro Abraham, illustrated by Ann Koffsky (UAHC Press, $6.95 paperback)
This picture book is the perfect addition to any young family's Shabbat ritual. Each of the Shabbat table blessings is accompanied by a short poem that conveys the meaning of the prayer, and a colorful illustration.
This book is concise enough to hold the attention of preschoolers and can be a helpful guide to families starting Shabbat observance in the home. The poems reflect the importance of each of the rituals and are written in language children can understand.
This picture book is recommended for children age 2-6.
"Hanna's Sabbath Dress" by Itzhak Schweiger-Dmi'el, illustrated by Ora Eitan (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $15 hardcover)
Hanna's mother makes her a white Sabbath dress. In preparation for Shabbat, Hanna takes a bath and puts on her new dress. She goes outside and avoids her dog and anything else that may get her dress dirty. Eventually, she happens across an old man struggling to carry a sack of charcoal, and she offers to help. After carrying the charcoal, she realizes that she has stained her dress. Distraught over her ruined dress, Hanna finds magical help from the moon.
This story is an English translation, published posthumously, by Israeli author Schweiger-Dmi'el.
The story is sweet and simple and will appeal to young children - especially those who have owned a special new piece of clothing that they have tried to keep clean.
This picture book is recommended for ages 4-8.
"Gotcha: Rosie in New York City" by Carol Matas (Aladdin, $4.99 paperback)
This is the first in a new historical fiction series by popular children's author Carol Matas. The series follows the adventures of Rosie Lepidus, an 11-year-old tomboy with red hair and a nose for excitement.
The first book begins in New York City in 1909. Rosie enjoys spending her time playing with the neighborhood children and partaking in her share of mischief until her mother falls ill. Rosie is forced to take her mother's place working in a shirtwaist factory, where the women are paid poorly and the working conditions are oppressive.
Rosie finds herself caught up in a movement to unionize and takes up the women's call to strike. Their cause is a dangerous one and Rosie must use every ounce of courage she has to become a vocal member of the group.
There is also a side topic of Rosie's struggle to understand her religion. Most of the women and girls who work in the factories are Jewish, but Rosie's best friend is Catholic and encourages her to pray to the Virgin Mary for her mother's recovery. Rosie finds herself questioning her parents, who say they don't believe in God and consider themselves "Freethinkers."
"We want to break away from all those old religious rules. But we are still Jewish. And I believe that people are basically good, not basically evil. And many Jews believe that. If you follow the central core of Judaism, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself,' well, then, you will be a good person and a good Jew," explains Rosie's father.
This short novel is fast-paced and middle-grade girls will enjoy reading about Rosie's adventures. Also included is an Afterward with information about the shirtwaist workers' strike in New York City from 1909-1910, and references to Web sites where readers can obtain additional information about this period in American history.
This short novel is recommended for ages 9-12.
Contact the writer at beth_olson@jewishaz.com.
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