Because Nothing Looks Like God
By Lawrence Kushner and Karen Kushner; illustrated by Dawn Majewski
Provides a spiritual framework for the questions and interesting answers.

Does God Hear My Prayer?
By August Gold, photo illustrated by Diane Hardy Waller
Child-centered answers to the question; ecumenical and multicultural.

First He Made the Sun
By Harriet Ziefert; illustrated by Todd McKie
The story of the six days of Creation in rhyme for young children;
an answer to “What does God do?”

God’s Paintbrush
By Sandy Eisenberg Sasso; illustrated by Annette C. Compton
Offers a series of simple scenarios and questions through which
readers can reflect upon the nature of God and one’s own relationship with God.

I Learn About God
By Howard Bogot and Daniel B. Syme; illustrated by Marlene Lobell Ruthen
Small-format book about God for young children; although the illustrations are
in black and white, the text is useful for teachers and parents.

Let’s Talk About God
By Dorothy K. Kripke; illustrated by Christine Tripp
A very useful guide for parents and teachers with an outline of questions children ask.

What Is God?
By Etan Boritzer; illustrated by Robbie Maran
Answers the question from an ecumenical perspective.

 

 

My Cousin Tamar Lives in Israel
By Michelle Shapiro Abraham; illustrated by Ann D. Koffsky

Let’s Visit Israel
By Judye Groner

Sammy Spider’s Israel Fun Book
By Sylvia Rouss

The Weight of the Sky
By Lisa Ann Sandell

Light Years: A Novel
By Tammar Stein

Israel By Jill DuBois and Mair Rosh
Cultures of the world

Ariel Sharon
By Norman H. Finkelstein

Israel
By Adam Garfinkle
Modern Middle East nations and their strategic place in the world

Israel in Pictures
By Margaret J. Goldstein

Jerusalem or Death: Palestinian Terrorism
By Samuel M. Katz

Jerusalem Sky: Stars, Crosses and Crescents
By Mark Podwal

Israel
By Jennifer Rozines Roy
Discovering cultures

Ilan Ramon: Jewish Star
By Devra Newberger Speregen

When I Was a Soldier: A Memoir
By Valérie Zenatti; translated by Adriana Hunter

How to Ruin a Summer Vacation
By Simone Elkeles

The Dog of Knots
By Kathy Walden Kaplan

Real Time: A Novel
By Pnina Moed Kass

Sara’s Journey
By David L. Shapiro

Fodor’s Israel
Edited by Linda Cabasin, Ruth Craig and Caroline Trefler

Prisoners: A Muslim and a Jew Across the Middle East Divide
By Jeffrey Goldberg

City of Oranges: An Intimate History of Arabs and Jews in Jaffa
By Adam LeBor

Aliya: Three Generations of American-Jewish Immigration to Israel
By Liel Leibovitz

From Babel to Dragomans: Interpreting the Middle East
By Bernard Lewis

The Ethiopian Jews of Israel: Personal Stories of Life in the Promised Land
By Len Lyons; photographs by Ilan Ossendryver; foreword by Alan M. Dershowitz

Jerusalem 1913: The Origins of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
By Amy Dockser Marcus

Maneuvering Between the Headlines: An American Lives Through the Intifada
By Helen Schary Motro

The Yom Kippur War: The Epic Encounter That Transformed the Middle East
By Abraham Rabinovich

The Missing Peace: The Inside Story of the Fight for Middle East Peace
By Dennis Ross

A Dream of Zion: American Jews Reflect on Why Israel Matters to Them
Edited by Jeffrey K. Salkin

Your Travel Guide to Ancient Israel
By Josepha Sherman

Ilan Ramon: Israel’s Space Hero
By Barbara Sofer

Israel at 60: A Pictorial and Oral History of a Nation Reborn
By Deborah Hart Strober and Gerald S. Strober

Gideon’s Spies: The Secret History of the Mossad
By Gordon Thomas

The Story of a Life
By Aharon Appelfeld; translated from the Hebrew by Aloma Halter

Israel Through My Lens: 60 Years as a Photojournalist
By David Rubinger with Ruth Corman; foreword by Shimon Peres

Broken Wings/Knafayim Shvurot [DVD]
By Nir Bergman
Hebrew dialogue, English subtitles

Cast a Giant Shadow [DVD]
Directed by Melville Shavelson

Cup Final: Gemar Gavia [DVD]
Screenplay by Eyal Halfon based on an idea by Eran Riklis; directed by Eran Riklis
Hebrew and English with English subtitles

Children of Jerusalem: Asya [VHS]
By Beverly Shaffer
From the National Film Board of Canada

Exodus [VHS]
Screenplay by Dalton Trumbo; produced and directed by Otto Preminger
Academy Award, 1960, Best Score

Exodus 1947 [VHS]
By Elizabeth Rodgers and Robby Henson; a co-production of Maryland Public Television and Cicada Films

Families of Israel [VHS]
By Families of the World

Grandpa’s Tree [VHS]
Jewish Holiday Series

Jinja’s Israeli Safari [VHS]
Children’s video about animals with songs in Hebrew; starring Jinja the lion cub

The Land of Israel [VHS]
Children’s Television Workshop; released in the U.S. by Yellow Giraffe Productions
Shalom Sesame series

Israel: A Nation is Born [VHS]
With Abba Eban; produced by Israel Heritage in association with Thirteen /WNET; produced and directed by Neville Meyer; written by John Lord

Israel in Dance: On and Off Stage With the Shalom Tel Aviv Dance Company [VHS]
Israel Television; produced by Yossi Landau; written and directed by Amos Ettinger

Pillar of Fire: A Television History of Israel’s Rebirth [DVD]
Israel Broadcast Authority

Promises [DVD]
Presented by the Promises Film Project; written, produced and directed by Justine Shapiro and B.Z. Goldberg
Soundtrack in Arabic, Hebrew and English with English subtitles

Shalom Sesame, Shalom Sumsum [DVD]
Produced by SISU Home Entertainment, Inc.; producer, Lynn Kestin Sessler; head writer, Mark Saltzman; writer, Louise Gikow
Rehov Sumsum is a co-production of the Israeli Educational Television, Children’s Television Workshop; soundtrack in English and Hebrew

The Story of the Yom Kippur War [VHS]
Or-Yehuda, Israel; distributed by Doko Entertainment Ltd.

Under the Domim Tree [VHS]
Produced by Gila Almagor and Eitan Evan; directed by Eli Cohen; screenplay by Gila Almagor and Eyal Scher; additional writing by Eli Cohen; music by Benny Nagari
In Hebrew

 

 

 

FAMILY READING

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Even Higher! A Rosh Hashanah Story
By I.L. Peretz; adapted by Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Jill Weber
Every year, just before Rosh Hashanah, the rabbi of Nemirov disappears. The villagers are certain their rabbi flies up to heaven to speak with God. Where else would such a great and holy man go just before the fate of every soul is decided for the coming year? But a skeptical Litvak scoffs at the villagers, claiming miracles cannot happen. He vows to discover the rabbi?s secret, but what he witnesses?an enormous act of human compassion?will make any doubter believe. By the award-winning author of the beloved Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins. For our youngest readers

New Year at the Pier: A Rosh Hashanah Story
By April Halprin Wayland; illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch
Izzy’s family prepares for the Rosh Hashanah custom of Tashlich during which people throw crumbs into the water to show that they are repenting for the past year’s bad deeds. Izzy is not so sure about this. For our youngest readers

Today Is the Birthday of the World
By Linda Heller; illustrated by Alison Jay
As the animals of the world gather to celebrate the birthday of the world, God asks them if they have been the best that they can be during the past year. For our youngest readers

Yussel’s Prayer: A Yom Kippur Story
Retold by Barbara Cohen; illustrated by Michael J. Deraney
A moving story based on the traditional tale of a simple shepherd whose plaintive flute song ends the Yom Kippur fast. [Out of print but available in the library.] Ages 6-10

Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride
By Deborah Bodin Cohen; illustrated by Shahar Kober
Engineer Ari’s train is coming to Jerusalem on the first historic train ride from Jaffa. Collecting goodies along the way to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, he learns an important lesson. Ages 3-7

On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
By Cathy Goldberg Fishman; illustrated by Melanie W. Hall
Explains the holidays as they are observed in a family setting. Ages 6-10

The World’s Birthday: A Rosh Hashanah Story
By Barbara Diamond Goldin; illustrated by Jeanette Winter
Naomi makes fun of her younger borther’s idea for celebrating Rosh Hashanah. Ages 4-8

Izzy Hagbah
By J.J. Gross; illustrated by Ari Binus
For many years, Izzy, who isn’t like everybody else, has had the honor of lifting the Torah on the holiest of days, Yom Kippur. Will he be able to do it this year? Ages 5-8

The Hardest Word: A Yom Kippur Story
By Jacqueline Jules; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn
The Ziz, a giant, childlike, mythical creature has a lot of trouble saying he’s sorry.

Gershon’s Monster: A Story for the Jewish New Year
Retold by Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Jon J. Muth
This is a beautifully illustrated story about a man who avoids owning up to his faults and wrong doings until his young twins almost suffer the consequences; has a happy ending. Ages 4-8

High Holy Days
By Camille Kress
A board book for the youngest readers.

Jonah and the Whale (and the Worm): A Bible Story
Retold and illustrated by Jean Marzollo
An entertaining version of the story traditionally read on Yom Kippur.

 

 

ADULTS

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Repentance: The Meaning & Practice of Teshuvah
By Louis E. Newman; foreword by Harold M. Schulweis; preface by Karyn D. Kedar
Newman examines both the practical and philosophical dimensions of teshuvah, Judaism’s core religious-moral teaching on repentance, and its value for us. Includes practical suggestions for how to free ourselves from our transgressions.

Days of Awe: A Treasury of Jewish Wisdom for
Reflection, Repentance and Renewal on the High Holy Days
Edited by S.Y. Agnon; foreword by Arthur Green; introduction by Judah Goldin

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur Survival Kit
By Shimon Apisdorf
Newly revised and expanded.

Rosh Hashanah Readings: Inspiration, Information and Contemplation
Edited by Dov Peretz Elkins; with section introductions from Arthur Green’s These Are the Words

Yom Kippur Readings: Inspiration, Information and Contemplation
Edited by Dov Peretz Elkins

Entering the High Holy Days: A Guide to the Origins, Themes and Prayers
By Reuven Hammer

A Faithful Heart: Preparing for the High Holy Days
(A Study Text Based on the Midrash Maaseh Avraham Avinu)
By Benjamin Levy; with foreword by Norman Cohen

Waiting for Rain: Reflections at the Turning of the Year
By Bryna Jocheved Levy

Preparing Your Heart for the High Holy Days: A Guided Journal
By Kerry M. Olitzky and Rachel T. Sabath; with a foreword by David Wolpe

Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Fall Holidays
(Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot)
By Paul Steinberg; edited by Janet Greenstein Potter

The Jewish Holidays: A Guide and Commentary
By Michael Strassfeld; illustrated by Betsy Platkin Teutsch; commentaries by Arnold Eisen

Beginning Anew: A Woman’s Companion to the High Holy Days
Edited by Gail Twersky Reimer and Judith A. Kates

Inspiring Days: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Beyond
(Visions and Pathways for Spiritual Growth and Personal Potential)
By K’hal Publishing in conjunction with the Afikim Foundation

 

 

Sukkot Treasure Hunt
By Allison Ofanansky; photos by Eliyahu Alpern

A Touch of the High Holidays: A Touch and Feel Book
By Devorah Glazer; illustrated by Seva.

Celebrate! A Book of Jewish Holidays
By Judith Gross; illustrated by Bari Weissman

High Holy Days
By Camille Kress

In the Synagogue By Madeline Wikler and Judyth Saypol Groner; illustrated by Roz Schanzer
The Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Purim and the Sabbath (Shabbat) as experienced by children using their five senses.

Beni’s Family Treasury: Stories for the Jewish Holidays
By Jane Breskin Zalben
A collection of episodes in the lives of Beni and his family shows them observing their Jewish traditions as they celebrate the holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim and Passover.

A Child’s First Book of Jewish Holidays
By Alfred J. Kolatch; illlustrated by Harry Aarten
Introduces Jewish days of celebration including the Sabbath (Shabbat), Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu BiSh’vat, Purim, Passover, Lag b’Omer, Shavuot, Ninth of Av (Tisha b’Av) and Israel Independence Day (Yom HaAtzma-ut). (Preschool)

The House on the Roof: A Sukkot Story
By David A. Adler; illustrated by Marilyn Hirsh
Despite the protests of his landlady, an old man builds a Sukkah for himself and his grandchildren on the roof of an apartment building.

On Sukkot and Sichat Torah
By Cathy Goldberg Fishman; illustrated by Melanie Hall
Description of a family’s celebration of Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

Tamar’s Sukkah
By Ellie Gellman; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn
Tamar calls on her older and bigger friends in the neighborhood to help her complete the sukkah she has built as a temporary shelter to celebrate Sukkot.

Tamar’s Sukkah: Board Book
By Ellie Gellman; illustrated by Shauna Mooney Kawasaki
Tamar’s friends help her decorate her sukkah.

Night Lights: A Sukkot Story
By Barbara Diamond Goldin; illustrated by Louise August
A young boy learns about the meaning of Sukkot while overcoming his fear of the dark; includes information on the history and customs of Sukkot.

It’s Sukkah Time!
By Latifa Berry Kropf; photographs by Tod Cohen
Photographs show and text describes children creating and celebrating in a sukkah, a harvest booth built to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. (Preschool)

Hillel Builds a House
By Shoshana Lepon; illustrated by Marilynn Barr
A young boy who loves to build houses learns that the perfect holiday for him is Sukkot.

Sammy Spider’s First Sukkot
By Sylvia A. Rouss; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn
Sammy Spider learns about the festival of Sukkot by watching the Shapiro family build their sukkah. (Preschool)

My Very Own Sukkot Book
By Judyth Robbins Saypol

Bubbe Isabella and the Sukkot Cake
By Kelly Terwilliger; illustrated by Phyllis Hornung
Bubbe Isabella invites many animal guests to spend Sukkot with her, but they are more interested in eating the Sukkah than her lovely lemon cake.

The Sukkah That I Built
By Rochel Groner Vorst; illustrated by Elizabeth Victor-Elsby
With the help of his family, a young Jewish boy builds a sukkah for Sukkot, or the Festival of Ingathering, a fall celebration of the harvest.

Why Does It Always Rain on Sukkot?
By Susan Schaalman Youdovin; illustrated by Miriam Nerlove
When the chief angel gave the Jewish holidays their gifts, Sukkot, fearing he was left out, cried, and each year, remembering that sadness, he weeps again.

Leo & Blossom’s Sukkah
By Jane Breskin Zalben
Brother and sister bears, Leo and Blossom, celebrate Sukkot by building a sukkah.

The Uninvited Guest and Other Jewish Holiday Tales
By Nina Jaffe; illustrated by Elivia Savadier
Includes background information and retellings of traditional tales from Jewish folklore and legend related to major holidays, such as Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah and Purim.

My Cousin Tamar Lives in Israel
By Michelle Shapiro Abraham; illustrated by Ann D. Koffsky
Join a young boy and his cousin Tamar as they learn about Jewish life in Israel and North-America.

Sukkot, A Time to Rejoice
By Malka Drucker; illustrated by Brom Hoban
Discusses the longest and happiest holiday season in the Jewish year, and explains the customs, history and meaning connected with it; includes games, recipes, puzzles, crafts and a glossary of terms.

Tastes of Jewish Tradition:
Recipes, Activities & Stories for the Whole Family
By Jody Hirsh, Idy Goodman, Aggie Goldenholz and Susan Roth; foreword by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
A guide for families with children from ages 3-12 with activities, rituals, prayers and blessings, and recipes for celebrating the Sabbath (Shabbat), Rosh Hashanah (Rosh Hashanah), Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu BiSh’vat, Purim, Passover, Lag B’Omer, Yom HaAtzma-ut and Shavuot.

The Chocolate Chip Challah Activity Book:
An Interactive Guide to Shabbat and the Fall Holidays (Book I)
Written and illustrated by Lisa Rauchwerger
Games, puzzles and crafts for Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Yom Kippur, Simchat Torah. (Grades 3–7)

Holiday Tales: Jewish Holidays and Their Legends
By Hyman E. Goldin
A collection of stories for Shabbat, Passover, Lag B’omer, Tisha B’Av, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chaanukah and Purim, as well as several on Moses and the destructions of the First Temple and Second Temple.

Shake a Palm Branch: The Story and Meaning of Sukkot
By Miriam Chaikin; illustrated by Marvin Friedman
Traces the history and significance of the Jewish fall festival, which commemorates the wandering of the Israelites in the wilderness and the festival with which they celebrated their arrival in the Promised Land.

The Uninvited Guest and Other Jewish Holiday Tales
By Nina Jaffe; illustrated by Elivia Savadier
Includes background information and retellings of traditional tales from Jewish folklore and legend related to major holidays, such as Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah and Purim.

The Day the Rabbi Disappeared: Jewish Holiday Tales of Magic
Retold by Howard Schwartz; illustrated by Monique Passicot
Retellings of 12 traditional tales from Jewish folklore featuring elements of magic and relating to holidays, including Rosh Chodesh, Sukkot, Tu BiSh’vat and the Sabbath (Shabbat).

Israel
By Don Foy; edited by Susan McKay
Describes how the Judaic culture of Israel is reflected in its many festivals, including Pesach, Sukkot and Chanukah.

Elijah’s Tears: Stories for the Jewish Holidays
By Sydelle Pearl; illustrated by Rossitza Skorthcheva Penney
The prophet Elijah appears in five stories about special Jewish days, including Chanukah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover and the Sabbath.

Tikvah Means Hope
By Patricia Polacco
After a devastating fire in the hills of Oakland, Calif., during Sukkot, a Jewish family and its neighbors find symbols of hope amidst the ashes.

K’tonton’s Sukkot Adventure
By Sadie Rose Weilerstein; illustrated by Joe Boddy
A small, thumb-sized boy is born to aging Jewish parents and has an adventure at the synagogue during the holiday of Sukkot.

 

TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS

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Dinosaur on Hanukkah
By Diane Levin Rauchwerger; illustrated by Jason Wolff
A dinosaur comes to a young boy’s house to join him in celebrating Hanukkah. (Preschool)

The Eight Nights of Chanukah
By Lesléa Newman; illustrated by Elivia Savadier
Chanukah comes to life as a young child’s family gathering grows bigger and bigger as the holiday progresses; can be sung to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas. (Preschool)

Hanukkah Lights
By Ben Lakner
Recalls what Hanukkah represents as Jason and Sarah celebrate the holiday’s lights and nights; help find the missing candles, light the menorah, play dreidel and open presents. (Preschool; on board pages)

Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights
By Leslie Kimmelman; illustrated by John Himmelman
An extended family celebrates the eight nights of Hanukkah. (Preschool)

Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah!
A family and their animal friends celebrate the holiday.
English verse adapted to an Israeli Hanukkah melody. (Preschool; on board pages)

It’s Hanukkah!
By Jeanne Modesitt; illustrated by Robin Spowart
Large mouse family joyfully celebrates Hanukkah;
includes information on the history of the holiday and some of its traditions. (Preschool)

It’s Hanukkah Time!
By Latifa Berry Kropf; photographs by Tod Cohen
Preschoolers invite their grandparents to a Hanukkah party and celebrate by lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, making Israeli doughnuts (sufganiyot) and telling the story of the Maccabees; includes facts about Hanukkah and a recipe for sufganiyot. (Preschool)

Hooray for Hanukkah!
By Fran Manushkin; illustrated by Carolyn Croll
Menorah describes a family’s joyous celebration of this Jewish holiday,
from the first night to the eighth and last; a great read-aloud. (Preschool)

Let There Be Lights!
By Camille Kress
(Toddlers; on board pages)

Light the Candles: A Hanukkah Lift-The-Flap Book
By Joan Holub; illustrated by Lynne Cravath
A candle is added to the menorahs on each page as the holiday is explained.
(Toddlers; a lift-the-flap book)

Runaway Dreidel!
By Lesléa Newman; illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker
In this rhyming tale in the style of The Night Before Christmas, a family’s preparations for Chanukah are disrupted by a wildly spinning dreidel. (Preschool)

The Runaway Latkes
By Leslie Kimmelman; illustrated by Paul Yalowitz
When three potato latkes escape Rebecca Bloom’s frying pan on the first night of Chanukah, everyone, including the cantor, the rabbi and the mayor, joins in the chase.
(Preschool to First Grade)

Spin the Dreidel!
By Alexandra Cooper
Invites young readers to join a family in celebrating Chanukah by playing dreidel and explains what each of the symbols means. (Preschool; on board pages with dreidel in spine)


SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

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Light the Menorah
By Jannie Ho

Surprise: It’s Chanukah! There Are So Many Things to Enjoy!
By Lily Karr

Arthur Yorinks’ The Flying Latke
By Arthur Yorinks; illustrated by William Steig
A family argument on the first night of Chanukah results in a food fight
and a flying latke that is mistaken for a flying saucer. (Kindergarten to Fourth Grade)

By the Hanukkah Light
By Sheldon Oberman; illustrated by Neil Waldman
When the family gathers to celebrate Hanukkah, Grandfather tells his own story of the holiday from World War II. (Second Grade format; Fourth Grade through Fifth Grade content)

The Chanukah Guest
By Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Giora Carmi
On the first night of Chanukah, Old Bear wanders into Bubba Brayna’s house and
receives a delicious helping of potato latkes when she mistakes him for the rabbi.
(Kindergarten through Second Grade)

The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate
By Janice Cohn; illustrated by Bill Farnsworth
Describes how people in Billings, Montana, joined together to fight
a series of hate crimes against a Jewish family. (Fourth Grade and up)

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
By Eric Kimmel; illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
Hershel outwits the goblins that haunt the old synagogue and prevent the village people from celebrating Hanukkah; one of the most popular books. (Kindergarten through Fifth Grade)

It’s a Miracle! A Hanukkah Storybook
By Stephanie Spinner; illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Every night of Hanukkah, Grandma tells a story at bedtime; includes the Hanukkah legend. (Kindergarten through Fourth Grade)

Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story
By Fran Manushkin; illustrated by Robin Spowart
When a blizzard leaves a family housebound one Hanukkah,
they share what little food they have with some starving animals who later return the favor.
(Second Grade to Fourth Grade)

The Magic Dreidels: A Hanukkah Story
By Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Katya Krenina
When an old lady swindles him out of his magic dreidels, Jacob tries to get them back in time for the family’s Hanukkah celebration. (Kindergarten through Second Grade)

On Hanukkah
By Cathy Goldberg Fishman; illustrated by Melanie W. Hall
Describes the history and celebration of the holiday. (Kindergarten to Second Grade)

Potato Pancakes All Around: A Hanukkah Tale
By Marilyn Hirsh
A wandering peddler teaches the villagers how to make potato pancakes from a crust of bread; an old favorite. (Preschool through Second Grade)

The Story of Hanukkah
By Norma Simon; illustrated by Leonid Gore
Explains the history and traditions that are a part of Hanukkah.
(First Grade through Third Grade)

The Story of Hanukkah: A Lift-the-Flap Rebus Book
By Lisa Rojany; illustrated by Holly Jones
Explains the origin of the holiday of Hanukkah through a lift-the-flap, rebus format.
(Second Grade through Fourth Grade)

Toby Belfer Never Had a Christmas Tree
By Gloria Teles Pushker; illustrated by Judith Hierstein
Living in a small Louisiana town where hers is the only Jewish family, Toby Belfer gives a party for her friends in order to explain Chanukah, including the story of Judah Maccabee, the significance of the menorah, how to make potato latkes, and how to play the game of dreidel. (First Grade to Third Grade)

When Mindy Saved Hanukkah
By Eric Kimmel; illustrated by Barbara McClintock
A tiny Jewish family living behind the wall of a synagogue must battle a frightening cat if they want candles for their Hanukkah menorah. Look for the Temple Emanu-El reference! (Preschool through Second Grade)

Zigazak! A Magical Hanukkah Night
By Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Jon Goodell
Two evil spirits wreck havoc on the town of Brisk’s Hanukkah celebration, until the town’s wise rabbi puts a stop to their mischief; a great favorite.
(Second Grade through Fifth Grade)


FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Anthologies, Crafts, Recipes, Songs and More for the Holiday

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Eight Tales for Eight Nights: Stories for Chanukah
By Peninnah Schram and Steven M. Rosman; illustrations by Tsirl Waletzky
Eight traditional tales from around the world introduce the customs and meanings of Chanukah. (Seventh Grade to Adult)

Hanukkah Crafts
By Judith Hoffman Corwin
Explains the history and customs connected with Hanukkah and provides ideas and instructions for making greeting cards, gift wrappings, presents, decorations and holiday treats. (First Grade to Third Grade)

Hanukkah Fun
By Judy Bastyra; illustrated by Catherine Ward
A brief history of Hanukkah accompanies recipes, craft projects and other activities to help celebrate this holiday. (Third Grade through Sixth Grade)

Hanukkah, Festival of Lights:
Celebrate With Songs, Decorations, Food, Games, Prayers and Traditions
By Jeff O’Hare; illustrated by Arthur Friedman and Mary F. Rhinelander
A compilation of songs, games, recipes and stories help children understand and celebrate the meaning of Hanukkah. (Preschool to Second Grade)

Hanukkah Ha-Has: Knock-Knock Jokes That Are a Latke Fun
By Katy Hall & Lisa Eisenberg; illustrated by Stephen Carpenter
(Preschool to Third Grade; a lift-the-flap book.)

A Hanukkah Treasury
Edited by Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Emily Lisker
Stories, songs, recipes and activities related to the celebration of Hanukkah.
(Second Grade to Fourth Grade)

Happening Hanukkah: Creative Ways to Celebrate
By Debra Mostow Zakarin; illustrated by Amanda Haley
(Third Grade through Sixth Grade)

The Jar of Fools: Eight Hanukkah Stories From Chelm
By Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Mordecai Gerstein
Drawing on traditional Jewish folklore, these Hanukkah stories relate the antics of the people of Chelm, a famous town of fools. (First Grade to Fourth Grade)

Pearl’s Eight Days of Chanukah
By Jane Breskin Zalben
Eight stories and activities during each night of Hanukkah introduce the holiday and its practices; includes descriptions of related recipes, crafts, songs and games.
(First Grade to Third Grade)

The Power of Light: Eight Stories for Hanukkah
By Isaac Bashevis Singer; illustrated by Irene Lieblich
Beautiful and moving stories for each night of the holiday. (Fourth Grade and up)

The Spotted Pony: A Collection of Hanukkah Stories
Retold by Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher
Eight stories, with a shammes story for each, to be read on the eight nights of Hanukkah. (Fourth Grade to Sixth Grade)

The Stone Lamp: A Hanukkah Collection
(Eight Days of Dark, Eight Nights of Light)
By Karen Hesse; illustrated by Brian Pinkney
A collection of eight poems, each taking place on a different night of Hanukkah and following the calamitous history of Jews from 12th century England to 20th century Israel.
(Fourth Grade to Fifth Grade)

While the Candles Burn: Eight Stories for Hanukkah
By Barbara Diamond Goldin; illustrated by Elaine Greenstein
A collection of eight stories illuminating the meaning and the miracles of Hanukkah.
(Second Grade to Fourth Grade)

 

 

PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

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A Child’s First Book of Jewish Holidays
By Alfred J. Kolatch; illustrated by Harry Araten

Grandpa and Me on Tu B’Shevat
By Marji E. Gold-Vukson; illustrations by Leslie Evans

The Great Kapok Tree:
A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest
By Lynne Cherry

The Littlest Tree
By Sylvia Rouss; illustrated by Ari Binus

The Lorax
By Dr. Seuss

Planting a Rainbow
Written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert

Sammy Spider’s First Tu B’Shevat
By Sylvia Rouss; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn

A Seder for Tu B’Shevat
By Harlene Winnick Appelman and Jane Sherwin Shapiro; illustrated by Chari R. McLean

Solomon and the Trees
By Matt Biers-Ariel; illustrated by Esti Silverberg-Kiss

The Tiny Seed
By Eric Carle

A Tree Full of Mitzvos
By Dina Herman Rosenfeld; illustrated by Yoel Kenny

It’s Tu B’Shevat
By Edie Stoltz Zolknower; illustrated by Richard Johnson


SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

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Anno’s Magic Seeds
Written and illustrated by Mitsumasa Anno

Behold the Trees
By Sue Alexander; illustrated by Leonid Gore

The Chocolate Chip Challah Activity Book:
An Interactive Guide to Winter, Spring and Summer Holidays (Book 2)
Written and illustrated by Lisa Rauchwerger

The Day the Rabbi Disappeared: Jewish Holiday Tales of Magic
Retold by Howard Schwartz; illustrated by Monique Passicot

God’s Garden: Children’s Stories Grown From the Bible
By Adam Fisher

Greening the Holidays
By Ellen Bernstein and Honey Vizer

Listen to the Trees: Jews and the Earth
By Molly Cone; illustrated by Roy Doty

The Little Leaf
By Chana Sharfstein; illustrated by Rochelle Blumenfeld

The Never-Ending Greenness
By Neil Waldman

The Seven Species
By Matt Biers-Ariel; illustrated by Tama Goodman

Tastes of Jewish Tradition:
Recipes, Activities and Stories for the Whole Family
By Jody Hirsh, Idy Goodman, Aggie Goldenholz and Susan Roth;
foreword by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin


TEENS & ADULTS

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Discovering Natural Israel
By Michal Strutin

Ecology and the Jewish Spirit:
Where Nature and the Sacred Meet
Edited and with introductions by Ellen Bernstein

The Jewish Gardening Cookbook:
Growing Plants and Cooking for Holidays and Festivals
By Michael P. Brown; illustrated by Laura C.Martin

The Natural History of the Bible:
An Environmental Exploration of the Hebrew Scriptures
By Daniel Hillel

A Person is Like a Tree:
A Sourcebook for Tu BeShvat
By Yitzhak Buxbaum

Reclaiming Judaism as a Spiritual Practice:
Holy Days and Shabbat
By Goldie Milgram

Seder Tu Bishevat: The Festival of Trees.
By the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Spirit in Nature: Teaching Judaism and Ecology on the Trail
By Matt Biers-Ariel, Deborah Newbrun and Michal Fox Smart

The Splendor of Creation: A Biblical Ecology
By Ellen Bernstein

Teach Them Diligently: A Midrash on the Jewish Educator’s Year
By Bonnie K. Stevens

Torah of the Earth:
Exploring 4,000 Years of Ecology in Jewish Thought (Vol. 1)
Biblical Israel: One Land, One People
Rabbinic Judaism: One People, Many Lands
Edited by Arthur Waskow

Tree and Shrub in Our Biblical Heritage
By Nogah Hareuveni; translated from Hebrew and adapted by Helen Frenkley

Trees, Erth and Torah: A Tu B’Shvat Anthology
Edited by Ari Elon, Naomi Mara Hyman and Arthur Waskow

Hochmat Lev: Wisdom of the Heart
Expanding the Jewish Mind, Learning Through Art Projects
Edited by Mareleyn Schneider


MUSIC & VIDEO

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Celebrate With Cindy: Jewish Holiday Music for Children [CD]
Produced by Cindy Paley Aboody; orchestrations, arrangements and musical direction
by Uri Ophir

Grandpa’s Tree [VHS]
By Ergo Media Inc

It’s Jewish Holiday Time [CD]
By Paul Zim

Shirim Al Galgalim: New Jewish Songs for Young Children [CD]
Performed by Debbie Friedman

Together [CD]
Performed by Julie Silver


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES IN THE LIBRARY

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A Biblical Garden
By Carol Lerner; translated from the Hebrew Bible by Ralph Lerner

Let the Earth Teach You Torah:
A Guide to Teaching Jewish Ecological Wisdom
By Ellen Bernstein and Dan Fink

 

 

 

PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

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Beni’s Family Treasury: Stories for the Jewish Holidays
By Jane Breskin Zalben

Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale
By Barbara Diamond Goldin; illustrated by Erika Weihs

A Costume for Noah: A Purim Story
By Sue Remick Topek; illustrated by Sally Springer

Festival of Esther: The Story of Purim
Retold by Maida Silverman; illustrated by Carolyn S. Ewing

Goldie’s Purim
By Jane Breskin Zalben

Here Come the Purim Players!
By Barbara Cohen; illustrated by Shoshana Mekibel

It Happened in Shushan: A Purim Story
By Harriet K. Feder; illustrated by Rosalyn Schanzer

It’s Purim Time!
By Latifa Berry Kropf; photographs by Tod Cohen

The Mitzvah Girl
By Beverly Mach Geller

The Mystery Bear: A Purim Story
By Leone Adelson; illustrated by Naomi Howland

On Purim
By Cathy Goldberg Fishman; illustrated by Melanie W. Hall

The Purim Costume
By Peninnah Schram; illustrated by Tammy L. Keiser

The Purim Parade
By Katherine Janus Kahn

Purim Play
By Roni Schotter; illustrated by Marylin Hafner

Queen Esther Saves Her People
Retold by Rita Golden Gelman; illustrated by Frané Lessac

Queen Esther the Morning Star
By Mordicai Gerstein

Raisel’s Riddle
By Erica Silverman; illustrated by Susan Gaber

Sammy Spider’s First Purim
By Sylvia A. Rouss; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn


SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

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When It’s Purim
By Edi Stolz Zolkower; illustrated by Barb Björnson

The Animated Megillah
By Ephraim Siddon and Rony Oren

Artscroll Youth Megillah: New Simplified Translation and Comments
By Nosson Scherman with Meir Zlotowitz; illustrated by Michael Horen

Esther
By Miriam Chaikin; illustrated by Vera Rosenberry

Esther’s Story
By Diane Wolkstein; illustrated by Juan Wijngaard

Holiday Treats
By Esther Hautzig; illustrated by Yaroslava

Make Noise, Make Merry: The Story and Meaning of Purim
By Miriam Chaikin; illustrated by Hitz Demi

Make Your Own Megillah: The Story of Purim
By Judyth Saypol Groner

The Purim Goat
By Yuri Suhl; illustrated by Kaethe Zemach

The Silver Megillah
By Shanedy Kesserman; illustrated by Alex Tirado

The Whole Megillah (Almost)
By Shoshana Silberman; illustrated by Katherine Kahn


TEENS & ADULTS

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Every Person’s Guide to Purim
By Ronald H. Isaacs

Holidays in Song
Compiled, edited and arranged by Velvel Pasternack

In the Jewish Tradition: A Year of Foods and Festivities
By Judith B. Fellner

The Megillah: The Book of Esther
Translated by Meir Zlotowitz

Megillat Esther
By JT Waldman
(Graphic novel in English; includes Hebrew text of Esther)

Purim Megillah
By Sol Scharfstein

The Purim Anthology
By the Jewish Publication Society of America

The Talmud for Beginners: Volume 2
By Judith Z. Abrams
(Includes a Talmudic commentary of the Scroll of Esther, or Megillat Ester)

Tastes of Jewish Tradition:
Recipes, Activities and Stories for the Whole Family
By Jody Hirsh, Idy Goodman, Aggie Goldenholz and Susan Roth;
foreword by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin


MUSIC & VIDEO

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Aleph Bet Boogie [CD]
Performed by Rabbi Joe Black

Celebrate With Cindy: Jewish Holiday Music for Children [CD]
Produced by Cindy Paley Aboody; orchestrations, arrangements and musical direction
by Uri Ophir

Classic Jewish Holiday and Shabbat Songs:
23 Songs (Lyrics Included) [CD]
By Theodore Bikel

It’s Jewish Holiday Time [CD]
By Paul Zim

The Jewish Holidays Video Guide [VHS]
By SISU Home Entertainment

Purim Songs: In Hebrew for Children and Toddlers [CD]
By Matan Ariel and Friends

Shanah Tovah (A Good Year): Songs for Jewish Holidays [CD]
Performed by Debbie Friedman

Shirim Al Galgalim: New Jewish Songs for Young Children [CD]
Performed by Debbie Friedman.

Shiron L’gan: Songs for Youth Ages 2-5 [CD]
By Transcontinental Music Publications

Shiron L’yeladim: Songs for Youth Ages 6-9 [CD]
By Transcontinental Music Publications

The Whole Megillah [VHS]
By Ergo Media Inc.


ADDITONAL RESOURCES IN THE LIBRARY

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The Five Scrolls:
Hebrew Texts, English Translations, Introductions and New Liturgies
Translations edited by Albert H. Friedlander; introductions co-edited by Herbert Bronstein and Albert H. Friedlander; liturgies edited by Herbert Bronstein; illustrated and designed by Leonard Baskin

The Babylonian Talmud v.1
Translated into English with notes, glossary and indices under the editorship of
Rabbi Dr. I. Epstein; foreward by the Very Rev. the Chief Rabbi Dr. J.H. Hertz

Hilchot Ta’aniot and Hilchot Megillah VaChanukah
(The Laws of Fasts [and] The Laws of [Reading] the Megillah and of Chanukah):
A New Translation With Commentaries and Notes
Original text by Moses Maimonides (1135-1204); translated by Eliyahu Touger

The Megillah: [Megillat Ester]
Illustrated by Jossi Stern; calligraphy by Noah Ophir

Talmud Bavli: The Schottenstein Edition
The Gemara: The Classic Vilna Edition
Elucidated by Rabbi Yisroel Reisman

 

View our Celebrate Purim! section

 

PLANNING FOR A PERFECT PASSOVER

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The New York Times Passover Cookbook:
More Than 200 Holiday Recipes From Top Chefs and Writers
Edited by Linda Amster
A definitive source with excellent recipes from around the world

Passover Desserts
By Penny W. Eisenberg

The Passover Table: New and Traditional Recipes
for Your Seders and the Entire Passover Week
By Susan R. Friedland; photography by Penina; food styling by Erez Harper
Passover food for serious foodies.

Spice and Spirit: Kosher for Passover Cookbook
By the Lubavitch Women’s Organization
All those recipes you remember from your grandparents’ table; an excellent resource.


PASSOVER & SEDER RESOURCES

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The Journey Continues: The Ma’yan Passover Haggadah
Edited by Tamara Cohen, Sue Levi Elwell, Debbie Friedman and Ronnie M. Horn
The Haggadah written for and used by the famous Women’s Seders.

Haggadah for the Liberated Lamb
By Roberta Kalechofsky
The seder for vegetarians.

A Night of Questions: A Passover Haggadah
Edited by Joy Levitt and Michael Strassfeld; illustrated by Jeffrey Schrier

A Night to Remember: The Haggadah of Contemporary Voices
By Mishael Zion and Noam Zion; illustrations by Michel Kichka

On Wings of Freedom: The Hillel Haggadah for the Nights of Passover
Edited by Richard N. Levy

The Open Door: A Passover Haggadah
Edited by Sue Levi Elwell

Passover: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration
By Ron Wolfson with Joel Lurie Grishaver

Preparing Your Heart for Passover:
A Guide for Spiritual Readiness
By Kerry M. Olitzky

The Women’s Passover Companion:
Women’s Reflections on the Festival of Freedom
Edited by Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, Tara Mohr and Catherine Spector;
foreword by Paula E. Hyman

The Women’s Seder Sourcebook:
Rituals and Readings for Use at the Passover Seder
Edited by Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, Tara Mohr and Catherine Spector


PLANNING A SEDER FOR A FAMILY WITH CHILDREN
(Suggestions from our rabbis and members of the Department of Lifelong Learning)

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A Different Night: The Family Participation Haggadah (Compact Edition)
By Naom Zion and David Dishon
Includes the text for the seder along with commentaries and many ideas of how to include the whole family in the celebration of Passover.

My Very Own Haggadah: A Seder Service for Young Children
By Judyth Robbins Saypol and Madeline Wikler; illustrated by Chaya Burstein
The coloring-book format has a section on getting ready for the holiday, followed by a child’s length seder; children will enjoy being able to color in the pages; includes songs and blessings. (Ages 5-8)

A Family Haggadah
By Shoshana Silberman; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn
This Haggadah follows the traditional seder order, uses gender-neutral language and is geared to the reading level of school-age children. Transliterations and translations of Hebrew blessings and prayers are included, as are additional discussion questions, songs, crafts and games.

Telling the Story: A Passover Haggadah Explained
Adapted by Barry Louis Polisar; illustrated by Sierra Hannah Polisar
Designed to guide Passover participants through the seder while educating them about the practice; details the meaning of the ceremony in the past and present; allows those with little or no experience conducting a seder to do so with confidence. A phonetic version of the Hebrew text is also included to aid those unfamiliar with Hebrew pronunciation.


RESOURCES TO ENRICH YOUR PASSOVER & SEDER EXPERIENCE

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The Seder Activity Book
By Judy Dick
With quiet games and activities that actively involve children in the Passover seder, The Seder Activity Book helps children follow the leader and discover why and how we celebrate Passover. (Ages 8-11)

Paul Zim’s Passover Seder Sing-a-Long Simcha [CD]
Passover music presented in a clear, singable format;
great for learning blessings and songs for the seder.

Make Your Own Passover Seder:
A New Approach to Creating a Personal Family Celebration
By Alan Kay and Jo Kay
Helps you put together a seder that reflects the particular needs and interests of your family. The Kays offer new ideas and many options based on their experiences and taken from hundreds of seders from around the globe. Suitable for all groups and families whether Reform, Orthodox, Conservative or Reconstructionist.

Wonders and Miracles: A Passover Companion
Compiled by Eric A. Kimmel
This is a beautifully illustrated anthology of stories, songs, poems, art and prayers about Passover. Beloved storyteller Eric A. Kimmel, author of Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins, presents three millennia of Jewish life around the world in a rich and accessible resource for the whole family.

Creating Lively Passover Seders:
A Sourcebook of Engaging Tales, Texts & Activities
By David Arnow
A thorough guide for preparing for Passover and putting together a seder; discusses the history of Passover, the development of the seder and its components.