On Sukkot and Simchat Torah [Library Binding]

Cathy Goldberg Fishman (Author), Melanie Hall (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-5–A proud girl relates the busy goings-on around her house in preparation for two Jewish holidays that occur in the fall. More an explanation of the observances than a story, the book would be most useful in (non-Orthodox) Jewish schools or with children interested in learning about various religious and family rituals. The text is well written, and the general warmth of the family gatherings and pride of faith show through. Most touching is the scene of the narrator imagining her biblical ancestors sitting beside her in the outdoor sukkah as she eats at the table in the cool night breeze. The lovely, muted pastel illustrations are an excellent accompaniment to the lyrical text. There is a scarcity of childrens books dealing with these two celebrations, so it is a pleasure to see such a fine one.–Lisa Silverman, Sinai Temple Library, Los Angeles
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* The holidays on the Jewish calendar that follow the High Holy Days are Sukkot, a harvest festival, then Simchat Torah, when the reading of the Torah is completed and begins again. Although not as well known as some, these are important Jewish holidays, and this very attractive book does them justice. "Who wants to help?" the book begins, and readers watch a family get ready for the Sukkot by building a small shelter, a sukkah, where parents and children will eat, even sleep. In evocative prose, Fishman not only explains the holiday but also captures the joyous mood that infuses it, linking the day with the traditions of yesteryear. She also captures the celebratory feel of Simchat Torah, complete with the marching and singing that take place as the Torah is carried around the synagogue. The lively text is matched by Hall's stirring artwork, in shades of blue, green, gold, and orange, which is ethereal yet full of sweet, everyday detail. Those looking for a special book on these holidays will be inspired. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing (September 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580131654
• ISBN-13: 978-1580131650
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,651,804 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fishman's Book Celebrates Festivals of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, September 17, 2006

By 

Donny B. Seagraves "Donny Seagraves, Author" (WINTERVILLE, GA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: On Sukkot and Simchat Torah (Library Binding)

Augusta, Georgia author, Cathy Goldberg Fishman, brings to life two Jewish fall holidays, Sukkot and Simchat Torah, in this new book published by Kar-Ben Publishing. We follow the preparations and learn about these two lesser-known Jewish holidays through the eyes of a child narrator. Written in a clear, easy-to-understand style, Fishman shows us the family building the sukkah (small shelter) that is used for this holiday, which is a harvest festival. Woven into the historical information on this and the Simchat Torah are many sights, sounds, and smells that help to bring this story alive. Artist Melanie Hall illustrates with a colorful, spiritual style just right for showing scenes of a family celebrating these rituals. A glossary at the end of the book explains the meaning of words such as "Etrog - citrus fruit symbolic of the harvest" and "Ushpizin - traditional Biblical guests who are symbolically invited to the sukkah to celebrate."

An excellent book for children who would like to learn about two of the lesser known Jewish holidays.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On Sukkot and Simchat Torah, October 12, 2006

By 

Jewish Book World Magazine (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On Sukkot and Simchat Torah (Library Binding)

A young girl narrates her family's celebration of Sukkot and Simchat Torah: building and decorating the sukkah, inviting the ushpizin, eating and sitting in the Sukkah, blessing the lulav and etrog, going to the synagogue for Shemini Atzeret, marching and dancing on Simchat Torah, and listening to her mother chant from the Torah. As with the other books in this series (On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, On Hanukkah, On Purim, On Shabbat, and On Passover) Fishman places Sukkot and Simchat Torah within the context of the Jewish year - "It feels good to be busy after the thoughtful stillness of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur." She also weaves interesting facts and concepts into the text, explaining how the lulav reminds us that God is everywhere and how the lulav and etrog are like a person with a heart, lips, eyes, and backbone. Melanie Hall's soft, whimsical, pastel illustrations complement the mood and tone of the narration and beautifully illustrate the rich traditions of these two holidays. For ages 6 - 10. Reviewed by Rachel Kamin

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 2007 Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Book for Younger Readers, January 28, 2007

By 

Rachel Kamin "Chair, Sydney Taylor Book Award... (West Bloomfield, MI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: On Sukkot and Simchat Torah (Library Binding)

Cathy Goldberg Fishman and Melanie Hall's wonderful collaborative collection of books about Jewish holidays grows to include Sukkot and Simchat Torah with this new title. More non-fiction than fiction, On Sukkot and Simchat Torah presents a child telling about her family's preparations for and celebration of these holidays. She describes the excitement of building the sukkah and eating in it, the feel of the lulav and etrog, and the sadness at the end of the holiday, as well as the thrill of singing, dancing, and reading Torah (men AND women) on Simchat Torah. The narrator's enthusiasm is infectious, and readers will love experiencing the holidays with her family.

Melanie Hall's illustrations are colorful and filled with activity, yet somehow serene at the same time. Fishman provides just enough details about observance and symbols to keep young elementary grade readers engaged; readers will feel like they are listening to a friend. Highly recommended. REVIEWED BY MARCI LAVINE BLOCH (SILVER SPRING, MD)