Five days after Yom Kippur, Sukkot begins. It is a fall harvest holiday which dates back to the time of Moses. While wandering in the desert, the Jewish people built temporary huts. Upon reaching the land of Israel, they became farmers. At harvest time, they built little huts near their…
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A Real Watermelon in a Real Sukkah
Betsy Zalaznick, Religious School Director of Or Chadash in Flemington, NJ sent me wonderful emails during the Sukkot Holiday telling me how the children in her Temple used my newest book, A Watermelon in the Sukkah, to enhance their holiday experience. Hi. We read your book on opening day to…
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Holiday Reading Round-Up
Holiday reading round-up for kids by Lisa Silverman, Jewish Journal The good news for Jewish children’s books this year is the occasion of the 20th anniversary of beloved picture book character Sammy Spider. There is even a colorful plush toy available on the publisher’s Web site (karben.com). Sammy’s creator, the…
Read MoreQuill says: If you want an excellent way to begin your child’s religious education, Sammy Spider would love to help you!
Another wonderful review of Sammy Spider’s New Friend from Feathered Quill Book Reviews Sammy Spider watched as Josh Shapiro helped his mother mix up a batter. Sammy peered at the sugar, flour, and milk on the shelf behind Josh and asked his own mother what they were doing. It was…
Read MoreSimchat Torah for Parents and Children
Background on Simchat Torah for Parents Researched and written by Sylvia Rouss Simchat Torah immediately follows Sukkot. Throughout the year the Torah scroll is unrolled and read in the synagogue. The reading begins with Genesis and the story of creation and continues with Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and finally, Deuteronomy.…
Read MoreTeaching Children and Literature
In early November, I have the privilege of speaking to the National Jewish Early Childhood Network on “The Many Possibilities of Thinking, Teaching and Experiencing Communication with Children, Co-workers and Parents”. I was asked to talk about the creative opportunities of children’s literature. As I considered how I could address…
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