The Jewish Child's First Book of Why [Hardcover]

Alfred J. Kolatch (Author), Harry Araten (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

In direct and simple language, Rabbi Kolatch explains the significance of some of the most fascinating traditions and customs of Judaism and introduces the child to the major and minor holidays in the Jewish calendar. The text is enhanced by the lively full-color illustrations of one of Israels leading contemporary artists. For ages four and up.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Charming, colorful, and entertaining." -- Judaica Book News

About the Author

Alfred J. Kolatch, a graduate of the Teachers Institute of Yeshiva University and its College of Liberal Arts, was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, which subsequently awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa. From 1941 to 1948 he served as rabbi of congregations in Columbia, South Carolina, and Kew Gardens, New York, and as a chaplain in the United States Army. In 1948 he founded Jonathan David Publishers, of which he has since been president and editor-in-chief.

Rabbi Kolatch has authored numerous books, the most popular of which are Great Jewish Quotations, How to Live a Jewish Life, What Jews Say About God, This Is the Torah, and the best-selling Jewish Book of Why and its sequel, The Second Jewish Book of Why. Several of his works deal with nomenclature, about which he is an acknowledged authority. The New Name Dictionary and The Complete Dictionary of English and Hebrew First Names are his most recent works on the subject. Other books by the author include Our Religion: The Torah, The Jewish Heritage Quiz Book, The Jewish Mourner's Book of Why, Who's Who in the Talmud, and The Family Seder.

In addition to his scholarly work, Rabbi Kolatch is interested in the work of the military chaplaincy and has served as president of the Association of Jewish Chaplains of the Armed Forces and as vice-president of the interdenominational Military Chaplains Association of the United States. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Harry Araten grew up, studied, and worked in New York City. Currently residing in Israel with his wife, Rachel, and their children, he is the illustrator of The Jewish Child's First Book of Why, Classic Bible Stories for Jewish Children, and Welcome, Baby!

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Jonathan David Publishers; 1st Ed/5th prt edition (January 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824603540
• ISBN-13: 978-0824603540
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 10.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #532,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #73 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Judaism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great relief for parents who are inundated with why ques, November 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Jewish Child's First Book of Why (Hardcover)

If you have one of those kids who asks "why" about everything, then this is the book for you. This book answers common question like "Why do we play dreidel?" and "Why do we plant trees?" as well as hard ones like "Why do we fast on Yom Kippur?".

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars For REALLY young children, October 8, 2005

By 

J. H. "vamomof2" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Jewish Child's First Book of Why (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my 5-year-old, and even she found it too simplistic. She was looking for more information than the book provided. It's better for my son, who is 2.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A nice overview for children, October 4, 2007

By 

M. Yoshida (Ventura County, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Jewish Child's First Book of Why (Hardcover)

I am a Christian, married to a Buddhist, who is raising my child as a Christian. We want to raise our son to have an appreciation for all beliefs. I purchased this book on a visit to the Skirball Cultural Center in LA because I wanted to be able to continue to point out parallels in the various faiths and to start giving him something to tie his understanding to. I think this is a marvelous book for doing just that for young children. I'd love to find similar books about other faiths! I would say that this book is geared for a child of 4 or 5. I would probably push that age younger for a child being raised in the Jewish Faith as the subjects covered would be part of their everyday life at a young age. I would highly recommend this book.