Some Hanukkah rituals include lighting the menorah, an eight-branched candelabrum commemorating the oil that burned for eight nights (with a place for a ninth candle used to light the others), eating delicious fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts) - also reminiscent of the oil - reciting prayers, singing holiday songs, and playing games. Everything looks new when seen from a child’s perspective, including menorahs, dreidels, and latkes. But family togetherness is something special about Hanukkah.

Jules the squirrel wants to play football, but the eagle, buffalo, and bear tell him he's all wrong for the game. But then the goat tells him that a wise person once said, "If you will it, it is no dream." Jules decides to work hard and give it his best shot, despite all the discouragement.

Jewish history is full of examples of people who passionately pursued their dreams, even in the face of overwhelming odds. One such extraordinary person was Theodor Herzl, a Hungarian Jew who lived from 1860-1904. In his work as a journalist, Herzl witnessed events that moved him to think deeply about the future of the Jewish people. He saw a desperate need for a Jewish state, a place where people could live in safety and freedom. Although his ideas were initially rejected by many, Herzl worked tirelessly to raise money and support for the reestablishment of the Jewish people in their ancient homeland.

In Flying High, Jules is inspired to pursue his dream by the words of Herzl. When Jules is discouraged because others tell him that he doesn’t have what it takes to play football, a friend shares Herzl’s most famous saying with him: “If you will it, it is no dream.”

How delightful that Jewish people have a holiday to celebrate every week, like clockwork! The little boy in this book spends Fridays having tot-sized adventures while getting ready for Shabbat. Discover how this family honours their Jewish faith with tradition and customs.

With its large illustrations and clean, clear lines, Shabbat Light makes a beautiful visual introduction to Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) and Havdalah (the Saturday evening ceremony that separates Shabbat from the beginning of the new week) . With the sunset on Friday night and the appearance of stars on the following evening, with the kindling of Shabbat candles and the extinguishing of a Havdalah candle, this book shows how light marks the start and finish of the Jewish Sabbath.

The children in this book sign words for things people do on Shabbat, such as eat challah, drink wine or grape juice, sing Shabbat songs, and (of course!) read books. Shabbat Shalom!

Practicing Sign Language can be great fun.