Shabbat, the Jewish holiday that marks the end of every week, can mean many different things and be observed in many different ways, even by people within the same synagogue. In his first picture book, author A.J. Sass, best known for award-winning middle grade novels, gives us a joyous and warm look at the diversity of Shabbat through the eyes of a trio of children.
On Friday evening, Abby, who has tan skin and dark hair, enjoys Shabbat services with her mother and father. Ilan, who is White, celebrates at home, making a special meal with his two moms and older sister. Tehila, who is Black, has a meal with extended family that brings “the earthy scent of black-eyed peas mingling with lemon and garlic in Grandma’s hummus.” We also see that her family doesn’t use electricity or the oven during Shabbat, marks of a more observant household.
On Saturday morning, the three children greet each other at Shabbat services. Ilan enjoys the music, Abby appreciates the soft cover of the Torah scroll, and Tehila’s notes that her cousin is celebrating their b’nai mitzvah on that day. The cousin’s nonbinary identity is seamlessly incorporated with the use of plural pronouns, and Sass uses the plural form of the ceremony (“b’nai”) rather than the gendered singular “bar” or “bat” mitzvah. Illustrator Noa Kelner also depicts the cousin with a rainbow-colored kippah (a small traditional cap), a nice nod to their queer identity.
The children and their families gather in the social hall after the service, and then proceed to a nearby park, in community even as they do different activities. The story concludes by suggesting a few things that Shabbat can mean, like a meal with relatives or eating challah, but also leaves room for more, telling readers, “Maybe for you it is something different,” and emphasizing that “Shabbat is unique and beautiful for every person.”
In an Author’s Note, Sass shares about the many Shabbats they’ve attended in different places, and how they learned that “There are as many wonderful ways to celebrate Shabbat as there are families who observe it.” They also note the great diversity of Jews they’ve encountered, including Jews by choice, Jews of color, and queer Jews, as well as those who are neurodivergent or have disabilities. A glossary explains some of the Hebrew words used throughout the text, plus some additional terms that may be encountered at a Shabbat service. Kelner’s illustrations are warm and dynamic, just like the families and congregation.
Inclusive, informative, and celebratory, many Jewish families and Jewish communities should enjoy this highly recommended volume. I’m suggesting it for my own congregation’s library. Yasher koach (good job)!
