Literature -+Rosh+Hashanah

Children's literature you can find in general about Rosh Hashanah:



"Apple Days" by Allison Soffer and illustrated by Bob McMahon ** Summary: ** This book is about a little girl named Katy, who picks apples every year for Rosh Hashanah with her mom. They use the apples to make sweet applesauce. This particular year, however, Katy's mother is not able to go with her. Katy is so upset she tells all of her neighbors and friends about not being able to make applesauce and pick apples with her mom for Rosh Hashanah. However, the book ends with all of Katy's friends and neighbors bringing her apples so that she can make her applesauce. ** Thoughts: ** This book is perfect for grades k-3, if teaching about holidays, or just similarities in culture. I like that this book relates back to Katy's community and how they all came together to help Katy when she couldn't pick apples on her own. It teaches children that although the holiday may be different the people celebrating it are not. "What a Way to Start a New Year: A Rosh Hashanah Story" By Jacqeline Jules ** Summary: ** This story is about a family moving to a new town right before Rosh Hashanah. The children are all very upset that they will not be near their friends during the Jewish holidays. However, as the holidays approach the children and parent realize quickly that their new community is wonderful and they made many friends! ** Thoughts: ** I think this is a wonderful book to share with k-3 graders. It will explain to them that 1.)you   shouldn't always expect the worst and 2.) briefly discuss the different Jewish holidays. This is a good book to use to introduce all the Jewish cultures holidays.

Children's literature you can find in the CMMC about Rosh Hashanah:

"Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride" by: Deborah Bodin  **Summary:** Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride is based on 1892 and the birth of the Jaffa-Jerusalem Railway. Ari is the first engineer on the railway and is traveling from Jaffa to Jerusalem, collecting apples and goodies for the upcoming holidays. Along the way Ari upsets his friends by being so boastful of his journey. By the end of the story he realizes that is not what the holidays are about and apologizes to his friends so they can have a nice holiday.

** Thoughts: ** I thought this book would be good for 2-5th grade. This book would be good for a character trait lesson or a holiday lesson. It talks more about the culture and covers a good lesson, about being humble.

"When the Chickens Went on Strike" by Erica Silverman  **Summary:** This tale is about a young boy searching for a chicken to swing in front of his head to take away is bad deeds from the previous year. However, as he looks for one he realizes they are on strike; and after being interrogated by a chicken he realizes that he does not need a chicken to do honor to himself and his family. He also realizes a very important fact, customs will come and customs will go. The traditions don't always have to make the holiday. **Thoughts:** I think this book is more for older grades. I think it would be a hard concept for first graders to grasp. However, it does teach a valuable lesson and provides history of traditions people used to preform during Rosh Hashanah.

There are many children's books that speak of Rosh Hashanah. These tales, and fictional stories are good ways to introduce new cultures, holidays, and talk about diversity.

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