The library committee is introducing a new program called the Birthday Book Program. This program allows you to donate a book in honor of your child’s birthday (or other occasion). Choose a book (please rank your top three choices in the event that we receive multiple requests for the same book) and submit your request to the library c/o the temple office. The donation amount is $18.00, for chai. The book will be processed with a special bookplate with your child’s name. Keep in mind that the library is staffed by volunteers, so there may be a short delay between the time you choose a book and the time you see it with the bookplate.

To donate a book from the Birthday Book list, please use this form and send it to the office with your payment.

BIRTHDAY CLUB OPTIONS 
 

Anne Frank and the Children of the Holocaust by Carol Ann Lee by Carol Ann LeeWhat happened to the Frank family after the final entry in Anne’s famous diary? And what happened to the millions of other children throughout Europe who were caught in the Nazi web? Through photographs, interviews, and journal entries, this detailed history focuses on these questions.

The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes by Linda Glaser by Linda GlaserWhen lots of unexpected relatives come for Hanukkah dinner, young Rachel runs to her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Greenberg to borrow the makings for more latkes. Rachel tries to persuade Mrs. Greenberg to join the celebration, too. Finally, the youngster’s persistence and cleverness win out in this brightly illustrated, fun, intergenerational holiday story.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: A Fable by John Boyne by John BoyneBruno is a bored and lonely boy when he leaves Berlin with his father, a Nazi officer, and family for a place called “Out-With”. There Bruno befriends a boy who wears striped pajamas and lives behind a wire fence.

Butterflies under Our Hats by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso by Sandy Eisenberg SassoThe people of Chelm had lost their hope until a strange, purple-hatted woman appears and shows them how to find hope in true, absurd, Chelm style.

The Cat with the Yellow Star: Coming of Age in Terezin by Susan Goldman Rubin with Ela Weissberger by Susan Goldman Rubin with Ela WeissbergerEla Stein Weissberger, deported to Terezin in 1942 when she was eleven years old, recalls the terror and deprivation of her almost four years there. She also remembers lifelong friendships with other girls in her barracks and the devoted adults who tried so hard to make the children’s lives more bearable by teaching them art and music and even by producing the opera “Brundibar.”

Dreamer from the Village: The Story of Marc Chagall by Michelle Markel A brief introduction to the life of the famous Jewish artist. The illustrations offer a taste of Chagall’s unique style and colors.by Michelle MarkelA brief introduction to the life of the famous Jewish artist. The illustrations offer a taste of Chagall’s unique style and colors.

The First Gift by A. S. Gadot by A. S. GadotA young boy, whose name is David, tells of a famous David in Jewish history, King David, and relates how one person can have different names. The origin of names in Jewish history is also explained in this brief picture book.

Five Little Gefiltes by Dave Horowitz by Dave HorowitzThis spoof of an old-time vaudeville act features a family of young gefilte fish siblings as performers. This zany counting book introduces Yiddish words and much humor along with primary numbers.

Hammerin’Hank: The Life of Hank Greenberg by Yona Zeldis McDonough by Yona Zeldis McDonough“Tall, strong, handsome” as well as Jewish, Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg starred for the Detroit Tigers, enlisted to defend the U.S. in World War II, and went on to manage the Cleveland Indians and to be part owner of the Chicago White Sox. Vibrant illustrations enrich this brief biography.

I Have a Little Dreidel by Maxil Baum and illustrated by Julie Paschkis by Maxil Baum and illustrated by Julie PaschkisCheerful folk art style illustrations colorfully illustrate the lyrics of this favorite Hanukkah song.

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt by Lawrence Kushner and Gary SchmidtA beautiful retelling of the traditional story of two men, one rich and the other poor, who come to realize their role in making miracles happen.

In the Days of Sand and Stars by Marlee Pinsker by Marlee PinskerLegends about the women in the Bible.

It’s Not Worth Making a Tzimmes Over! By Betsy R. Rosenthal By Betsy R. RosenthalGrandma and Sara prepare the challah dough and then go play badminton, watch a movie, and forget all about the challah . . . until the dough oozes out of the kitchen, out the door, and all over the neighborhood!

It’s Shofar Time! By Latifa Berry Knopf By Latifa Berry KnopfBright, full-page color photographs spy pre-schoolers preparing for Rosh Hashanah.

The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace by Nancy Elizabeth WallaceA variety of papers and origami art create endearing illustrations of a pre-school class of bunnies creating a quilt based on acts of kindness.

Moses by Margaret Hodges by Margaret HodgesRealistic illustrations vibrantly help bring to life the story of Moses.

Much, Much Better by Chaim Kosofsky by Chaim KosofskyA young couple, content with their lives, welcome strangers to their table each Shabbat. One visitor’s blessing puzzles the couple, however, until the stranger returns to their home a year later. This Elijah tale evokes ancient Baghdad through its colorful illustrations.

Old Testament Days: an Activity Guide by Nancy I. Sanders by Nancy I. SandersThis book’s activities and projects offer insights into life in the Middle East during Old Testament times.

On Sukkot and Simchat Torah by Cathy Goldberg Fishman by Cathy Goldberg FishmanExquisite pastel illustrations together with a caringly phrased text evoke the meaning and rituals of these fall celebrations.

Stealing Home by Ellen Schwartz by Ellen SchwartzIn 1947 New York, Jackie Robinson was breaking into the major leagues and nine-year-old Joey Sexton was newly orphaned. Bi-racial and half Jewish, Joey is confused about where he belongs, yet he longs to win the love of his mother’s father, his zayde, even though Zayde is an avid Dodgers fan and Joey loves his Yankees. This is a great baseball story and an even better story of family love.

Way Too Much Challah Dough by Goldie Shulman by Goldie ShulmanTold in lively rhyme is this story of Mindy’s first time making her Bubbe’s challah recipe for Shabbat. But did Mindy put in too much yeast?

The White Ram: A Story of Abraham and Isaac by Mordicai Gerstein by Mordicai GersteinThe story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac is pivotal to our Rosh Hashanah liturgy. What was God’s purpose in asking the unaskable of Abraham, and what of the ram that was sacrificed in Isaac’s place? Exquisitely illustrated, this beautifully told picture book answers these questions.