New Beginnings for Rosh Hashanah
Back-To-School is a time for new beginnings. For the Jewish community, it is also a
time to start fresh with a new year in the Hebrew calendar called Rosh Hashanah
(starting the evening of September 4th). On Rosh Hashanah, we celebrate the creation of the world
while dipping apples in honey to represent a sweet year ahead. What better way to think about fresh
starts then through some fabulous children’s books?
PJ Library® is a local program that sends
free Jewish books and music to the homes of children in the Bay Area. Here are some PJ Library® favorites that
teach children about the values and traditions of Rosh Hashanah through
wonderful stories:
Apples and Honey by Joan Jolub and Illustrated by Cary Pillo (published 2003)
This sweet lift-the-flap book follows a
family as they prepare for Rosh Hashanah. There is so much to do from making
holiday cards, baking challah, eating apples and honey and going to temple to
hear the Shofar. Each page offers an interactive page for a young reader to
enjoy. This story is a lovely introduction of the holiday for children, ages
2-6.
Engineer Ari and the Rosh
Hashanah Ride by Deborah Cohen Illustrated by
Shahar Kober (published 2008)
A playful introduction of Rosh Hashanah through
a story about Israel’s first train from Jaffa to Jerusalem. Follow along and see all the special
deliveries Engineer Ari makes as he arrives in Jerusalem in time to celebrate the
New Year. This story uses all the traditional symbols of Rosh Hashanah from the
apples and honey, round challahs, and the Shofar. Recommended for children,
ages 4 and up.
The World’s Birthday by Barbara Goldin and Illustrated by Jeanette Winter (published
1990)
Daniel is determined to have a birthday party
for the world to celebrate the Jewish New Year. But how can you have a party
and invite the whole world? That is just too many people. See how Daniel
celebrates the Jewish New Year with his family and includes the whole world in
the celebration. Recommended for children, ages 4-8
New Year at the Pier: A Rosh
Hashanah Story by April Wayland and Illustrated
by Stephane Jorisch (published 2009)
On Rosh Hashanah, Izzy and his family make a
list of all their wrongdoings from the year. Then they apologize for them and
throw pieces of bread into the water as a way to “clean the slate” or clear
their hearts which is called Taslich. This is a must read story that truly shows the importance of reflection
and forgiveness. Recommended for children, ages 5-8. Winner of the Sydney
Taylor Gold Medal for best Jewish picture book of the year!
The Secret Shofar of Barcelona by Jacqueline Greene and Illustrated by Doug Chayka (published
2009)
This special story takes place in the late
1500’s when Don Fernando, the conductor of the Royal Orchestra of Barcelona,
prepares a concert to celebrate the Spanish colonies in the New World.
Meanwhile his son, Rafael, secretly practices blowing the Shofar despite laws
forbidding Jews from practicing their religion. Rafael must decide whether he can blow the Shofar while his
father’s Orchestra performs. A beautiful story that includes historical facts
and a glossary to help explain what life was life during that period of time. Recommended
for children, ages 6 and up.
While taking time to prepare for the year
ahead, remember to take some quiet moments to read to your children. PJ Library® is an amazing resource in
our community that helps introduce Jewish values and traditions through
reading. These books will quickly
become cherished bedtime stories.
Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
