Themed Reviews: Rosh Hashanah

In 2011 the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah, begins at sundown on September 28th and ends at sundown on the 30th. The first of the High Holy Days in the Jewish calendar, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with rest, prayer, festive meals, and by sounding the Shofar (horn typically created from a male kosher ram).

This year's feature, and those from previous years, can get you started on how to incorporate new books into your classroom, library, and home. http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/th_yomkippur.php


For information about Tishrei, the first month of the Jewish year, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tishrei

YaYa and YoYo Sliding Into the New Year

Dori Weinstein

The meaning and traditions of Rosh Hashanah are woven into a story about a twin sister and brother whose family are Conservative Jews. A contemporary style and point of view that connect present-day pluralistic Judaism to the unbroken chain of Jewish beliefs and customs are at the story's heart. The main characters of Ellie (YaYa) and Joel (YoYo) are portrayed as typical fifth graders whose interactions with each another, their parents and older brother, and their school friends are genuine, laced with humor and warmth. The somewhat repetitive plot concerns Ellie's excitement over being invited to go with a friend to a sensational new waterslide park, and her disappointment to learn that the date for this excursion falls on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Why does she have to observe both days? Ellie wonders. Isn't one day of reflection and repentance enough? Guided and goaded by her brother's greater attentiveness to what Rabbi Green has been teaching them about teshuvah in Hebrew school, Ellie begins to answer those question for herself. Her response leads to an affirmation of Jewish beliefs, traditions, and values. A publisher's note states that this is the first of a planned series of twelve books about YaYa and YoYo, each one focusing on a holiday, life cycle event, or other Jewish experience. Although the writing needs some tightening to quicken the pace, this first entry into the series is a good beginning. Category: Holidays. 2011, Yaldah, 132 pp., $8.95 Pbk. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Linda R. Silver (Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews, February/March 2011).
ISBN: 9781592872015