New Beginnings

Back-To-School is a time for new beginnings.  For the Jewish community, it is also a time to start fresh with a new year in the Hebrew calendar called Rosh Hashanah (starting the evening of September 4th).  On Rosh Hashanah, we celebrate the creation of the world while dipping apples in honey to represent a sweet year ahead.  What better way to think about fresh starts then through some fabulous children’s books?  

PJ Library® is a local program that sends free Jewish books and music to the homes of children in the Bay Area.  Here are some PJ Library® favorites that teach children about the values and traditions of Rosh Hashanah through wonderful stories: 

Apples and Honey by Joan Jolub and Illustrated by Cary Pillo (published 2003)

This sweet lift-the-flap book follows a family as they prepare for Rosh Hashanah. There is so much to do from making holiday cards, baking challah, eating apples and honey and going to temple to hear the Shofar. Each page offers an interactive page for a young reader to enjoy. This story is a lovely introduction of the holiday for children, ages 2-6.

Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride by Deborah Cohen Illustrated by Shahar Kober (published 2008)

A playful introduction of Rosh Hashanah through a story about Israel’s first train from Jaffa to Jerusalem.  Follow along and see all the special deliveries Engineer Ari makes as he arrives in Jerusalem in time to celebrate the New Year. This story uses all the traditional symbols of Rosh Hashanah from the apples and honey, round challahs, and the Shofar. Recommended for children, ages 4 and up.

The World’s Birthday by Barbara Goldin and Illustrated by Jeanette Winter (published 1990)

Daniel is determined to have a birthday party for the world to celebrate the Jewish New Year. But how can you have a party and invite the whole world? That is just too many people. See how Daniel celebrates the Jewish New Year with his family and includes the whole world in the celebration. Recommended for children, ages 4-8

New Year at the Pier: A Rosh Hashanah Story by April Wayland and Illustrated by Stephane Jorisch (published 2009)

On Rosh Hashanah, Izzy and his family make a list of all their wrongdoings from the year. Then they apologize for them and throw pieces of bread into the water as a way to “clean the slate” or clear their hearts which is called Taslich.  This is a must read story that truly shows the importance of reflection and forgiveness. Recommended for children, ages 5-8. Winner of the Sydney Taylor Gold Medal for best Jewish picture book of the year!

The Secret Shofar of Barcelona by Jacqueline Greene and Illustrated by Doug Chayka (published 2009)

This special story takes place in the late 1500’s when Don Fernando, the conductor of the Royal Orchestra of Barcelona, prepares a concert to celebrate the Spanish colonies in the New World. Meanwhile his son, Rafael, secretly practices blowing the Shofar despite laws forbidding Jews from practicing their religion.  Rafael must decide whether he can blow the Shofar while his father’s Orchestra performs. A beautiful story that includes historical facts and a glossary to help explain what life was life during that period of time. Recommended for children, ages 6 and up.

While taking time to prepare for the year ahead, remember to take some quiet moments to read to your children.  PJ Library® is an amazing resource in our community that helps introduce Jewish values and traditions through reading.  These books will quickly become cherished bedtime stories. 

Happy Reading and Happy New Year!

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PJ Library®, a program of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, provides free monthly Jewish books and music to children under the age of 7. Sign up at www.pjlibrary.org

Hooked on Books provides books reviews and blog posts exploring children and young adult literature with librarian and mom, Lisa Katz:  www.hookedbooks.blogspot.com/ and please check out the Hooked on Books facebook page as well at https://www.facebook.com/hookedbooks