My First Book of Jewish Holidays

"My First Book of Jewish Holidays" by Lila Rosenfield introduces young children to the annual cycle of Jewish holidays. A turning wheel mechanism guides preschoolers through the year, connecting each holiday with a specific sensory experience. The book focuses on a single sensory action and a key word for each spread, such as hearing a shofar, sitting under a sukkah, or tasting matzah. The author's approach aims to present diverse practices, illustrating various households and climates without suggesting universal adherence to every tradition. The book also provides a gentle introduction to more serious holidays by using calm imagery, carefully avoiding the imposition of adult emotions onto young readers. It emphasizes appropriate supervision for activities involving ritual objects, fire, or fasting. A moon marker indicates how holiday dates shift relative to the civil calendar.

This book is designed for children aged 3–5, employing repeated phrases like “notice, name, remember” to support learning without turning into a simple fact recitation. It covers key Jewish observances including Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot. Pronunciation guidance is included, along with a safe home activity suggestion for each season, making the book suitable for repeated engagement throughout the year. The final page features a wheel that allows children to identify a remembered holiday visually, rather than requiring them to recall its name. The content is presented in an accessible manner, focusing on sensory engagement and gentle learning for young children.