THERE WAS A YOUNG RABBI

A rabbi and her family enjoy a food- and fun-filled holiday.

“There was a young rabbi / who read from the Torah. / She read from the Torah / and lit the menorah. / She lit the menorah, / as we all know, / to remember a miracle / from a long time ago.” To the rhythm of the familiar cumulative rhyme “There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly,” the rabbi then makes herself busy in the kitchen frying latkes. These are “latkes so yummy” that “filled up her tummy.” She also makes applesauce for the latkes and a “nice brisket” that is “kosher, of course.” Dessert comes in the shape of chocolate gelt that is “so sweet and so tasty, / in her mouth it did melt.” Along with eating all the requisite food (Ashkenazic style), the family lights the candles on the menorah, spins the dreidel, and exchanges gifts. The long, repetitive text invites participation. The family presents as White, and colorful illustrations convey a busy home and cheerful folk. With the exception of one scene of the miracle in the Temple and a set of elderly visitors, human characters, both male- and female-presenting, all seem to wear kippot. However, aside from this and the rabbi’s feminine pronouns, the book does not meaningfully question gender norms: The rabbi’s male-presenting partner helps with none of the cooking. (This book was reviewed digitally with 8.875-by-21.25-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)

Hanukkah happiness for the very young.