SAN DIEGO — It’s almost Shabbat. Time to look at two new picture books. The first helps families welcome Shabbat, the Sephardic way. The second introduces young children to Havdalah, to help close Shabbat and usher in the new week.
Buen Shabat, Shabbat Shalom, written by Sarah Aroeste and illustrated by Ayesha L. Rubio, takes the reader along, as a busy family prepares for Shabbat. The mother lights the candles with her son while the father rocks the baby and sings with his daughter. The table is set, the children are blessed and the festive meal begins. There is soup and fish and, of course, challah. The title becomes a fun refrain, sprinkled throughout the book. Included in the text are Spanish translations of the simple phrases, from the title itself to las kandelas (the candles) and to the final blessing: Peace for all, para todos!
Havdalah is Coming! written by Tracy Newman and illustrated by Viviana Garofoli, is both the title of this sweet story, and a phrase repeated on almost every page. The excitement builds as Shabbat draws to a close. The juice is poured, the braided candle is lit and the spices are readied. Once the ceremony ends, the candle is dipped into the juice and the children race to the window to find three stars. Everyone gathers with friends, wishing each other a good week filled with peace.
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Marcia Berneger is a retired elementary school teacher as well as a teacher at Torah school. She is the author of such children’s books as Buster the Little Garbage Truck, and A Dreidel in Time.