Hanukkah Hearts


Book Description

Relocated to New York City from the Midwest, Becky Cohen follows her dream by snagging a choice entry level job at Homes and Ralph Publishing. Hanukkah is not a recognized holiday there, so Becky must remain in New York. Squished into a tiny two-bedroom apartment with three young women, Becky misses her family’s home and the rowdy companionship of her brothers. She plans to Skype with her family during their Hanukkah celebration, until her father declares that “Hanukkah’s been cancelled.” Fighting a serious case of pneumonia, Becky’s mother is rushed to the hospital. Devastated to be removed from her loved ones during this trying time, Becky’s amazed to find a new gift appears on her desk every day. Who’s responsible? He signs his name only, “The Hanukkah Elf.” Who is the Hanukkah Elf? Read the story to find out. Clean romance.




Latkes for Santa Claus


Book Description

//*// Finalist for the 2022 International Book Awards in Children's Picture Book and Children's Religious categories \\*\\ To: Santa From: Anna My new dad and stepbrother celebrate Christmas, so you’re coming to my house for the very first time. And I think you must be REALLY tired of cookies. I’m going to leave you the best Santa treat ever. Anna is excited that Santa will be visiting her house for the first time, and she wants to leave Santa a treat that blends the holidays her new family celebrates: Christmas and Hanukkah. She expresses this idea to her stepbrother, Michael, who insists that Santa doesn't need anything but his sugar cookies. Anna imagines Santa has to be bored with cookies by now and is determined to find a Jewish recipe that he'll enjoy. The catch? It has to be something easy for Santa to grab and go. It can't be matzo ball soup—soup in a sleigh with galloping reindeer will never do. It can't be noodle kugel—imagine that by the handful. What a mess! And as certain as Anna is that Santa would devour tzimmes, she knows he just doesn't have the time to sit and enjoy a hearty stew on Christmas Eve. Anna retreats to her thinking corner to figure out the perfect finger food for Santa, not wanting to disappoint him on his very first visit to her house. In this humorous and endearing picture book, blending both Christmas and Hannukah, a little girl and her stepbrother compete to leave Santa the best treats ever. Latkes for Santa Claus concludes with Anna and Michael's winning recipes, ready for children to replicate for Santa in their own kitchens.




All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah


Book Description

The beloved characters from Sydney Taylor's All-of-a-Kind Family return in this heartwarming picture book from the acclaimed author and Caldecott Award-winning artist. A Kirkus Reviews best book of the year that is perfect for Hanukkah gift-giving! "Share this joyous holiday tale of a Jewish immigrant family all year long." -- Kirkus Review, starred review The beloved All-of-a-Kind Family comes to life in a new format perfect for younger readers. Join the five sisters back in 1912, on the Lower East Side of NYC, and watch as preparations for Hanukkah are made. When Gertie, the youngest, is not allowed to help prepare latkes, she throws a tantrum. Banished to the girls' bedroom, she can still hear the sounds and smell the smells of a family getting ready to celebrate. But when Papa comes home she is given the best job of all: lighting the first candle on the menorah. First published in 1951, Taylor's chapter books have become time-honored favorites, selling over a million copies and touching generations of readers. In this time when immigrants often do not feel accepted, the All-of-a-Kind Family gives a heartwarming glimpse of a Jewish immigrant family and their customs that is as relevant--and necessary--today as when it was first written. Jenkins and Zelinsky's charming compliment to Taylor's series perfectly captures the warmth and family values that made the original titles classics.




Holiday Hearts Collection


Book Description

What do an injured hockey player, a woman dressed as Santa, a house-sitter, a young Jewish woman, two best friends, and a workaholic have in common? Only that their stories have come together in this delightful holiday collection. Six novellas, each different, provide engrossing quick holiday reads with satisfying happily-ever-afters. Laugh, tear up, be on the edge of your seat – each novella is different. Curl up with these cozy tales of holiday romance --heartfelt stories, from sweet to spicy --and get a warm glow and a smile. Christmas Duet Sheriff Don Armstrong can’t believe what he sees when he shines his flashlight on someone breaking and entering –a beautiful woman. What’s a woman wearing expensive suede boots doing climbing in a window? And why is such a fancy perp in Pine Grove altogether? With gun drawn, he gives the orders. “Hold it right there, Ma’am. Step back. Away from the window. Keep your hands where I can see them.” The woman’s eyes widen. Like a deer in the headlights, she freezes. He thinks he’s seen it all, until he meets Traci Ashton. Sure, it’s Christmas Eve, but Don stopped believing in miracles years ago. The Final Slapshot Harry “Deke” Edwards is a Hartford Husky defenseman known to be tricky, fast, and unbreakable. An amazing defensive lunge in a playoff game ends in a life-threatening injury. But Harry’d bounce back. He always did, didn’t he? Kitty, his wife, runs a successful art gallery in Washington, D.C. Over the last three years, the couple agreed to live in different cities and be together whenever they can. Harry swears they make it work. Unwilling to face the truth about the damage he suffered, Harry hides his secret. Hoping for a Christmas miracle, but confronted with the inevitable, he makes a decision that breaks his heart. Is this the end of the road for him with the Huskies and Kitty, too? Hanukkah Hearts Relocated to New York City from the Midwest, Becky Cohen follows her dream by snagging a choice entry level job at Homes and Ralph Publishing. Hanukkah is not a recognized holiday there, so Becky must remain in New York. Squished into a tiny two-bedroom apartment with three young women, Becky misses her family’s home and the rowdy companionship of her brothers. She plans to Skype with her family during their Hanukkah celebration, until her father declares that “Hanukkah’s been cancelled.” Fighting a serious case of pneumonia, Becky’s mother is rushed to the hospital. Devastated to be removed from her loved ones during this trying time, Becky’s amazed to find a new gift appears on her desk every day. Who’s responsible? He signs his name only, “The Hanukkah Elf.” Does she figure out who her benefactor is? Read the story to find out. Santa’s Surprise When Connecticut Kings star football player, Keith Wilson, asks his actress sister, Molly, to sub for him as Santa’s helper at the annual Christmas party for kids, she refuses. Although he manipulates her into agreeing, she turns the tables by extracting a reluctant promise in return. Will she be able to carry off posing as a man? And what happens when Santa turns out to be someone she didn’t expect? A sweet, sexy short holiday romantic comedy. The House-Sitter’s Christmas At Christmas, Laura Fleming lived her fantasy adventure. Paid to house-sit for the fabulously wealthy financier, C.W. Banley, while he traveled, she eagerly headed for New York City. As mistress of his elegant townhouse, she baked cookies and dressed the old gent’s richly-furnished residence for the holidays. As December rolled around, the lonely, lovely writer eagerly anticipated soaking up the Christmas atmosphere in the grand city. With only the cat for company, she’d turn Banley’s elegant home into a wonderland of sparkling lights, fragrant garland, and shiny tinsel. Every year, she wished, in vain, for a happy ending. Will this be the year that Miss Fleming discovers her dreams can come true, even in a big city, like New York? A sweet, New York City Christmas Fairy Tale. THE CHRISTMAS PARTY What do you get for Christmas for your best friend who has everything? A date with her forever-crush, right? Aaron and Patrice have been best friends since high school. This year, instead of a bottle of perfume or a new scarf, he has the supreme surprise in store for her – movie star and high school chum, Damian Wood. Aaron’s bringing him to Patrice’s Christmas party expressly to meet her. Never mind Aaron had once crushed on her. Putting aside your own feelings to make someone else happy is a sign of true friendship, isn’t it? Little does he know Patrice has cooked up a mighty big surprise for him, too. All is revealed at the Christmas party, where things may not be what they seem in this sweet rom-com, feel-good short story.




Hanukkah (Second Edition)


Book Description

Create a meaningful and happy Hanukkah in your home—with story, celebration, food and song. This newly-designed, easy-to-use edition of a classic spiritual sourcebook offers updated information, more family ideas, and new resources for every aspect of your holiday celebration. Information on every aspect of Hanukkah is covered, including: The story of Hanukkah Celebrating—for families of every constellation Songs and prayers in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish (with clear transliterations) Recipes for traditional and modern Hanukkah foods “December Dilemmas”—coping with other traditions’ celebrations Firsthand explanations and ideas from real-life families around America Hands-on advice and practical suggestions invite families into Hanukkah’s spirituality and joys, from the making of luscious latkes and Hanukkah crafts to the stories of the heroism and the miracle that are remembered every year with the lighting of the hanukkiyah.




Baby's First Hanukkah


Book Description

Perfect for storytime with babies and toddlers over the Jewish holiday period, this first ebook introduces Hanukkah traditions and festivities. From the miracle of the oil, lighting the menorah candles, and delicious fried latkes and doughnut treats, to the spin-the-top dreidel game, shiny chocolate coins, and fun family time with songs to sing and gifts to give and receive, all the elements of this wonderful Jewish festival of lights are included. This classic little picture book has simple language and engaging, real-life photos that bring the warmth and celebrations of Hanukkah to life. With one main image per page to focus on, the book is clear and easy for babies and toddlers to follow, and the short text is enjoyable to read aloud and share with young children.




Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins


Book Description

The classic Hanukkah tale, shared by families all around the world-- now available in a beautiful anniversary edition. A Caldecott Honor book. A gift edition of this title is also available, featuring a slipcase and fold-out poster. (ISBN: 9780823452552) An original tale featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, this clever story, which received a Sydney Taylor Honor, has been a family favorite for decades! On the first night of Hanukkah, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village, where plenty of latkes and merriment should warm him. But when he arrives not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over the synagogue, and the villagers cannot celebrate at all! Hershel vows to help them. Using his wits, the clever trickster faces down one goblin after the next, night after night. But can one man alone save Hanukkah and live to tell the tale? Trina Schart Hyman’s leering goblins are equal parts terrifying and ridiculous as they match wits with Hershel, trying to keep him from lighting the menorah and celebrating Hanukkah. This beautiful 25th Anniversary Edition includes an insightful afterword from the author and publisher explaining the book's origins, and remembering Trina Schart Hyman, the illustrator who brought the tale to life. This classic picture book is a perfect Hanukkah gift and a wonderful read-aloud. For more tales of this clever folk hero, read The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol— another collaboration between master storyteller Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman. Caldecott Honor Book ALA Notable Children’s Book NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book Colorado Children’s Book Award Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award




Written on Our Hearts


Book Description

Does the Old Testament seem distant for your teens? Written on Our Hearts is a completely revised edition of The Hebrew Scriptures: The Biblical Story of God's Promise to Israel and Us. An in-depth course that brings to life the books of the Old Testament, this full-color student textbook covers the most important Scripture stories and passages of the Old Testament and guides students as they read the Bible. The one-semester course can be taught to ninth graders but is ideal for tenth- and eleventh-grade students. This new edition, which gives added emphasis to the context and spiritual meaning of the Old Testament, includes a more extensive discussion of the Ten Commandments. Sidebars featuring prayers in the Old Testament have been added, along with historical and biblical timelines. Review questions, reflective activities, and a full-color design with maps, charts, photos, and artwork will help make the Old Testament come alive for students.




Christmas and Hanukkah


Book Description

Examines how Christmas and Hanukkah are celebrated around the world; discussing the holidays' origins, histories, and common practices; and describing how geography, culture, and history influence how they are observed.




Hanukkah in America


Book Description

Explores the ways American Jews have reshaped Hanukkah traditions across the country In New Orleans, Hanukkah means decorating your door with a menorah made of hominy grits. Latkes in Texas are seasoned with cilantro and cayenne pepper. Children in Cincinnati sing Hanukkah songs and eat oranges and ice cream. While each tradition springs from its own unique set of cultural references, what ties them together is that they all celebrate a holiday that is different in America than it is any place else. For the past two hundred years, American Jews have been transforming the ancient holiday of Hanukkah from a simple occasion into something grand. Each year, as they retell its story and enact its customs, they bring their ever-changing perspectives and desires to its celebration. Providing an attractive alternative to the Christian dominated December, rabbis and lay people alike have addressed contemporary hopes by fashioning an authentically Jewish festival that blossomed in their American world. The ways in which Hanukkah was reshaped by American Jews reveals the changing goals and values that emerged among different contingents each December as they confronted the reality of living as a religious minority in the United States. Bringing together clergy and laity, artists and businessmen, teachers, parents, and children, Hanukkah has been a dynamic force for both stability and change in American Jewish life. The holiday’s distinctive transformation from a minor festival to a major occasion that looms large in the American Jewish psyche is a marker of American Jewish life. Drawing on a varied archive of songs, plays, liturgy, sermons, and a range of illustrative material, as well as developing portraits of various communities, congregations, and rabbis, Hanukkah in America reveals how an almost forgotten festival became the most visible of American Jewish holidays.