Children / Young Adult Social Justice Book Lists

On Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, it is traditional to dip apples and honey in hopes of a sweet New Year. Jews around the world share other foods as well - such as pomegranates, pumpkins, beets, and dates - foods that grow abundantly and symbolize prosperity. Author Rahel Musleah, who grew up in Calcutta, India, presents a Sephardic Rosh Hashanah seder observed throughout the world. This special service incorporates blessings, songs, and even folk tales relating to each of the eight foods eaten, and will guide participants through this joyous seder. Traditional holiday recipes are included.

When the family gathers to celebrate Hanukkah, Grandfather tells his own story of the holiday from World War II

Every night of Hanukkah Grandma tells a story at bedtime. Includes the Hanukkah legend.

A preschool class demonstrates the steps of sukkah-building to celebrate the fall harvest festival of Sukkot. Blessings in Hebrew and English are included.

Sadie and her four little brothers are very poor and always hungry. On the first night of Chanukah, Sadie performs a generous act, and in turn receives a frying pan that cooks up sizzling hot, golden latkes on command. Sadie tells her brothers never to use the magic pan, but when she goes out one afternoon, the mischievous boys can't resist. They remember the words to start the pan cooking . . . but what were the words to make it stop? This humorous tale of generosity and greed is accompanied by bright, cheerful illustrations depicting a traditional Russian village. An author's note and a recipe for Sadie's latkes are included.

"May you have a good and sweet year," is the traditional RoshHashanah greeting. Jews everywhere share a history, a belief in one God, and a set ofholidays that commemorate that history and that belief, marking off the year withcelebrations both solemn and joyful. Jane Yolen expertly leads us through a year of holidays, beginning with the days ofAwe, continuing with Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot, and ending witha section on the Sabbath. Following an account of the history and customs of eachholiday are poems, stories, and traditional songs, accompanied by easy-to-play music forpiano and guitar, arranged by Adam Stemple. Lavishly illustrated by Louise August, this is a book full of information about Jewishholidays, as well as one for families to share as they celebrate together throughout theyear.

L'Shana Tova! Celebrate family, a bright future, and the sweetness of the new year with this cute board book exploring the traditions of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish High Holiday. Our Neighborhood is a series of board books that celebrates every kids' culture so kids can find themselves, their family, and their friends in every book. "This book is a lovely way to introduce the holiday as a time for family to come together to eat, play, and celebrate." School Library Journal New Year, Gather near, Shana Tova, Bubbe's here! Introduce little ones to Rosh Hashanah with this beautiful, colorful board book. Children can see a Jewish family come together and celebrate the holiday with sweet apples and honey, a noisy shofar, and more. Perfect for the holiday, but precious no matter the season, this is a great addition to any child's library.

Answers questions commonly asked about the daily practices and beliefs of Judaism.