新着

Tilly loves having company. One day, Tilly's mom says a family that has just arrived from Iraq will be staying with them for a while until they get settled in the community. "Just say 'welcome!'" her mom says. "Sometimes that's all it takes for strangers to become friends." A man from synagogue brings over clothes for the children and a neighbor brings a pot of stew that smells "just like home" to the new arrivals. The Iraqi boy, Youssef, teaches Tilly's brother soccer ball tricks. When an apartment becomes ready for the family, Tilly feels a little sad.

Painting scenes from Bible stories is Rembrandt's passion. Many of his Amsterdam neighbors are Sephardic Jews, and the children often come to play with the costumes at the renowned painter's house. Rabbi Menashe Ben Israel encourages his neighbors to pose for Rembrandt's biblical scenes. He helps the painter understand the descriptive words in the Hebrew bible. At the rabbi's home for Sabbath dinner, Rembrandt watches his friend cup his hands over his children's heads and say a blessing, which gives him an idea for a very special painting.

Shira the puppy loves to sing. At doggie daycare, she sings for her doggie friends, but the people say, "Hush and shush, Shira. Not today." She sings when Aryeh and Arielle watch TV, but the kids say, "Not today, Shira." On Friday, while Aryeh and Arielle are setting the table for Shabbat, Shira starts to sing. Aryeh says, "Shush. Not today." Shira wants to sing along as Aryeh and Arielle bless the candles, wine, and challah on Shabbat, but still she is shushed. But on Saturday night, the sky turns dark and it's time for Havdalah. Is it finally time for Shira to sing?

The first night of Hanukkah in one child’s home begins. But what does the light from the candle mean? What are the words everyone is singing? What will each of these eight nights hold? Family and friends, takeout dinners and flat tires, traditions new and old—it’s all part of this year’s timeless, timely holiday celebration.