There Was a Young Rabbi: A Hanukkah Tale

by Suzanne Wolfe Narrated by Book Buddy Digital Media

Overview

Hanukkah is a very busy time! Join the young rabbi as she makes festive preparations-spinning the dreidel, cooking a tasty meal, lighting the menorah, and more-in this cumulative, rhyming story reminding readers of the Hanukkah miracle of long ago! Learn about Hanukkah's festivities and rituals, and about the Jewish holiday itself.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"'There Was a Young Rabbi: A Hanukkah Tale' will help children to learn about Hanukkah's festivities and rituals, and about the Jewish holiday itself." — James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review

Kirkus Reviews

2020-08-18
A rabbi and her family enjoy a food- and fun-filled holiday.

“There was a young rabbi / who read from the Torah. / She read from the Torah / and lit the menorah. / She lit the menorah, / as we all know, / to remember a miracle / from a long time ago.” To the rhythm of the familiar cumulative rhyme “There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly,” the rabbi then makes herself busy in the kitchen frying latkes. These are “latkes so yummy” that “filled up her tummy.” She also makes applesauce for the latkes and a “nice brisket” that is “kosher, of course.” Dessert comes in the shape of chocolate gelt that is “so sweet and so tasty, / in her mouth it did melt.” Along with eating all the requisite food (Ashkenazic style), the family lights the candles on the menorah, spins the dreidel, and exchanges gifts. The long, repetitive text invites participation. The family presents as White, and colorful illustrations convey a busy home and cheerful folk. With the exception of one scene of the miracle in the Temple and a set of elderly visitors, human characters, both male- and female-presenting, all seem to wear kippot. However, aside from this and the rabbi’s feminine pronouns, the book does not meaningfully question gender norms: The rabbi’s male-presenting partner helps with none of the cooking. (This book was reviewed digitally with 8.875-by-21.25-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)

Hanukkah happiness for the very young. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-5)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173231680
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/01/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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