This year, Rosh HaShanah, The Jewish New Year, will be celebrated beginning the evening of October 2nd and will end on the evening of October 4th. There are many children's books that describe and include the cultural customs and traditions of Rosh HaShanah, but the following are some of my favorite!
Apple Days: A Rosh HaShanah Story by: Allison Sarnoff Soffer
This story follows a little girl, Katy, and her celebration of Rosh HaShanah including making applesauce and how a new baby cousin changes the holiday celebration. This book is good to read to children around ages 4-5 and if there will be a new infant joining your family soon!
Happy Birthday, World by: Latifa Berry Kropf
This story, good for 2 to 3 year olds and up, explains the traditions and symbols of the Jewish holiday by comparing the celebration to a birthday party. This makes the traditions easy to understand to someone who is just learning about the holiday.
Sammy Spider's First Rosh HaShanah by: Sylvia Rouss
This story follows Sammy Spiders journey through the holiday celebration as he watches the Shapiro family celebrate the new year! Use this book to learn about different foods that you could incorporate into your Rosh HaShanah celebration with your family. This book can be read to children who are 3-4 years old and older.
Apples and Honey by: Joan Holub
This book can be read to children between the ages of 6 months to 2 years and older. This book is well written for young children as it shows many of the Rosh HaShanah activities in colorful illustrations. This book can help to introduce traditions to young children that have never celebrated this holiday before.
Rosh HaShanah is Coming! by: Tracy Newman
This story is good for children ages 6 months-2 years and up. This book describes all of the ways to tell that Rosh HaShanah is quickly approaching for a new year. This story encourages the children to interact with the book by pointing to various hints throughout the book.
(All photos from Amazon.com)
Happy reading!
Labels: Books, Children, Culture, Holiday, Jewish, Reading, Rosh HaShanah, Traditions
