Based on the premise that every Jewish holiday offers a “way of remembering,” this book of information and activities offers “a way of connecting young children to their parents and grandparents” and “all the way back to the very first Jews.” The easy text spans Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat (new year of the trees), Purim, Passover, Yom Hashoah, Yom Ha’atzma’ut (Israel’s birthday), Shavuot, and Shabbat. Specific directions for playing dreidel during Hanukkah, making harvest muffins at the time of Sukkot, creating groggers to make noise on Purim, and the closing words and music for “Shabbat Shalom!” are interspersed. The Israeli artist Ora Eitan’s paintings perfectly match the book’s intended audience and theme. (Ages 3-8)

Hag Sameach! Happy Holidays!

Do you know what holiday to sound the shofar for? Or when to build a sukkah?

Now you can learn, in this celebration of eleven Jewish holidays, from Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, to Shavuot, the accepting of the Torah. There's even a section on Shabbat, the Sabbath. The meaning and story behind each holiday are explained. There are also activities, music, and recipes for adults and children to work on together.

Leslie Kimmelman has created a timeless Jewish treasury, and Ora Eitan's rich, stylized art perfectly captures the mood of each celebration.

Open the pages and discover that a whole year of Jewish holidays is beginning!