Five Favorite Books for Rosh Hashana!
The Jewish New Year is right around
the corner, so we have picked the best Rosh Hashanah books for you to
read with your nieces and nephews. These wonderful stories cover the
traditions Jewish Aunties may already practice with their little ones,
and the values they teach them on this important holiday.
So pick up a Rosh Hashanah book from the library or bookstore and
settle down with your nieces and nephews for some quality reading
time. Here are our picks to get you started:
Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride
By Deborah Bodin Cohen
Ages 4-8
This colorful story about the first train ride from Jaffa to Jerusalem
in 1892 teaches an important lesson about Rosh Hashanah. When Ari is
selected as engineer of this historic train, his ego takes over, he
brags to his friends, and he fails to say farewell. Along the journey,
the train stops to pick up items to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, and Ari
learns about the true meaning of the holiday.
Even Higher! A Rosh Hashanah Story by I.L. Peretz
By Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrated by Jill Weber & Gail Gibbons
Ages 4-8
In this retelling of a classic Rosh Hashanah story, a rabbi disappears
every year right before the New Year. The congregation assumes he has
gone to speak with God about the fate of the townspeople. One
particular naysayer doubts that such a miracle could happen, so he
decides to investigate. When he uncovers a touching secret involving
human compassion, even this biggest of doubters changes his mind.
Gershon’s Monster: A Story for the Jewish New Year
By Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrated by Jon J. Muth
This tale, based on a Hasidic legend of the Jewish New Year, is about a
baker named Gershon who refuses to take responsibility for his
mistakes. Instead, he stuffs his bad deeds into a bag and dumps them
into the Black Sea. Gershon ignores his rabbi, who urges him to make
amends each year. He ultimately finds resolution when his collective
errors come back to haunt him in this foreboding story.
Sammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah
By Sylvia A. Rouss
Illustrated by Katharine Janus Kahn
Ages 4-7
Sammy Spider learns all about the traditions and symbols of the Jewish
New Year. His mother teaches him all about challah, apples and honey,
and the special services at his synagogue. Sammy’s mischievous
behavior will delight small children as they read about how he learns
to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in his own special way.
New Year at the Pier: A Rosh Hashanah Story
By April Halprin Wayland
Illustrated by Stephane Jorisch
Izzy is a little boy who especially enjoys Tashlich, a ceremony
performed at Rosh Hashanah whereby people confess their wrongdoings and
begin the New Year with a fresh start. Nieces and nephews will relate
to Izzy as he grows upset about revealing his long list of “mistakes”,
but realizes the value in making amends. Overall, this is a touching,
humorous story that entertains and teaches young ones a lot about the
holiday along the way.