A Childs First Book Of Jewish Holidays

Every Jewish child deserves to grow up knowing why we light candles on Friday night, why we dip the apple in honey, why we shake the lulav, and why we dress up on Purim. These are not just customs — they are the fabric of a Jewish childhood, the moments that stay with a person for life. A Child's First Book of Jewish Holidays gives parents, grandparents, and educators a gentle, illustrated starting point for those conversations, presenting Shabbat and twelve Yomim Tovim in language that a three-year-old can follow and a five-year-old will want to return to.

Written by Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch — a graduate of the Teachers Institute of Yeshiva University and ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America — and illustrated by Harry Araten, the book covers the full cycle of the Jewish year from Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur through to Shavuot and back to Shabbat. Each holiday is explained in simple terms that introduce the traditions and the joy of the occasion without overwhelming a young reader. The format is clear, the illustrations are cartoonish and inviting, and the content has been praised as a comprehensive yet age-appropriate introduction to the festivals.

This book makes a particularly fitting Rosh Hashanah gift — tucked into a gift bag alongside a jar of honey and a round challah, or given on its own as a way of bringing a child into the meaning of the New Year. It is equally at home as a Chanukah or birthday present for any Jewish child between the ages of 3 and 7. Order by Thursday 10th September 2026 for delivery before Rosh Hashanah, which begins on the evening of Friday 11th September 2026.

For more ideas on marking the Jewish New Year with children, including what to put on the table and how to explain the simanim, read our Rosh Hashanah food guide on the Sabeny Magazine.

FAQ

What age is A Child's First Book of Jewish Holidays suitable for? The book is written for children aged 3 and up. It uses simple language and cartoon illustrations to introduce young readers to the traditions and meaning of Shabbat and twelve Jewish festivals, making it accessible even to pre-readers when shared with an adult.

Which Jewish holidays does the book cover? The book covers the full cycle of the Jewish year, including Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Pesach, and Shavuot, among others — thirteen celebrations in total.

Is this a good Rosh Hashanah gift for a child? Yes. It is one of the most widely recommended introductory Jewish holiday books for young children and makes a thoughtful Rosh Hashanah gift, either on its own or alongside traditional New Year foods such as honey and round challah.

Get to know more on:

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/category/holidays/