SHABBAT IS...

A look at the rituals that make Shabbat special to a wide variety of communities.

Three families each observe the day in their own way. One child walks to temple with Mommy and Daddy. Another watches a sibling’s basketball game with Mama and Mommy; the family then shops and cooks a meal while singing along to their favorite songs. A third child gathers with a large extended family for a meal and games at home. Each family is different. Some are big, while others are small. Some observe traditional religious practices; others make their own. Featuring cheerful colors and patterns, smiling faces, and moments of quiet connection, Kelner’s thickly outlined artwork has a scribbly, intimate feeling, reinforcing a sense of joy in rituals that include eating, dancing, and reading Torah. Characters vary in skin tone and hair style and texture. Some wear kippot (skullcaps) and tallitot (prayer shawls), including some who present female or who are nonbinary. One Shabbat finds all the families gathered at the synagogue to celebrate a b’nai mitzvah—notably, a gender nonbinary celebration rarely represented in picture books. Sass’ flowing text is punctuated by the refrain “Shabbat is unique and beautiful for every person”; this loving message is made abundantly clear throughout and echoed in the author’s note.

A uniquely inclusive celebration of the Jewish day of rest.