My First High Holidays

In "My First High Holidays" by Lila Rosenfield, a young character named Maya experiences the High Holidays. The narrative begins with a shofar sound at Rosh Hashanah and concludes with another shofar sound after a day of reflection. Between these two moments, Maya's family engages in various activities associated with the season, such as sharing apples, expressing good wishes, discussing a broken toy with care, preparing for Yom Kippur, and attending synagogue. The narrative is structured for children aged 3–5, employing the two shofar calls as a framework for the High Holiday period. The book focuses on a child's perspective, without delving into complex theological concepts. Maya's experiences include regular meals, illustrating that fasting is not presented as an expectation for preschoolers. The book shows apologies as involving efforts to mend what is broken, and it does not require children to publicly list their mistakes.

The story incorporates sensory details to make the season tangible, such as the taste of a sweet apple, the feel of a smooth prayer-book cover, the quiet atmosphere of a hallway, and the sound of a long shofar note. The family depicted in the book represents one specific family's practices; an accompanying note for adults clarifies community variations and provides guidance on pronunciation. The book concludes with three simple suggestions for engagement: listening attentively, extending a kind wish, and collaborating on caring for an object. The illustrations and the measured pacing of the final page introduce solemnity without generating apprehension, and they convey a sense of renewal without promising the immediate resolution of every difficulty.