Many Days, One Shabbat

August 15, 2011
Manushkin and Monescillo's beautiful book teaches concepts and culture at the same time. The titular theme of "many and one" is repeated on each two-page spread that presents from a child's perspective ordinary activities ("one box, many colors"; "one shirt, many buttons") in a household as the family prepares for a Shabbat celebration with friends. Monescillo's illustrations use simple lines, but her scenes have detail, offering a visual complement to the narrative that highlights the actions of readying for Shabbat. The book is a selection of the PJ Library, which supports materials for parents to teach their children about Judaism. It will work well at home for families and also in religious education classes. Ages 3â8.

November 1, 2011

PreS-A contemporary Jewish family prepares for Shabbat (the Sabbath) in this spare, simple story. Four words on each spread follow the same format: "One morning. Many kisses"; "One house. Many rooms"; One flower. Many pedals" as the digitally enhanced watercolors pleasantly depict a boy and his parents cleaning their house, polishing the candlesticks, picking flowers, kneading dough, making decorations, getting dressed, welcoming guests, lighting the Sabbath candles, passing around slices of the braided challah, and saying goodnight. Head coverings are absent; the traditional blessings over the candles, bread, and wine are not mentioned; and the special meal appears to consist only of soup and bread. The absence of an author's note limits the book's audience to families already familiar with the rituals and customs of Shabbat. Those looking for more direction will find Michelle Shapiro Abraham's Shabbat Shalom! (URJ Press, 2003), Cathy Goldberg Fishman's On Shabbat (S & S, 2001), and Miriam Nerlove's Shabbat (Albert Whitman, 1998) more satisfying.-Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

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