Books Can Help Children Understand Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the day of atonement is a significant Jewish holiday. It is the final day of the ten days of awe, which begin on Rosh Hashanah. It is a time of reflection, when Jewish people review their past mistakes, ask and give forgiveness, let go of grudges and look at the bigger picture. It is often a difficult holiday for children to understand. Here you will find a collection of Yom Kippur books for kids, any of which will help children to understand the significance of the day.
The evening service which begins Yom Kippur is called Kol Nidre, named after a specific blessing (Kol Nidre) done in song three times during the service.
Shown here: Yom Kippur Children’s Machzor
Significance
Yom Kippur is often considered the most holy and emotional day of the Jewish year.
The Hardest Word: A Yom Kippur Story
Recommended for Baby to Preschool
A brightly illustrated and delightful book about repentance and learning the importance of saying “I’m Sorry.” It is a National Jewish Book Awards Finalist. It is the story of a lovable Ziz (clumsy bird in Jewish folklore) who accidentally destroys a garden and asks God for forgiveness. The story has it’s foundation in the Hasidic legend “The Tear of Repentance.”
Yom Kippur with Bina, Benny, and Chaggai Havonah
Recommended reading level: ages 4-8, Pre-k, Kindergarten and early elementary school
Yom Kippur is a holiday of fasting and forgiveness. In this book children can learn about the history, laws and customs of Yom Kippur alongside Bina and Benny, as they learn from Chaggai the Holiday Dove. Parents and children will enjoy the beautiful illustrations. It is part of the The ArtScroll Children’s Holiday Series.
All About Yom Kippur
Recommended Reading Level: ages 9-12
A wonderful book to help confident readers understand the Yom Kippur traditions. It is illustrated, uses gender-neutral language and is written to appeal to today’s child. The book is illustrated and also includes classic folk tales, the words and music to traditional songs, and the holiday’s blessings.
The Magic of Kol Nidre : A Story for Yom Kippur
Recommended reading level: ages 4-8, Pre-k, Kindergarten and early elementary school
The stunning watercolored pages really add to the magic of this book. It is all about the Kol Nidre – the initial prayer of the evening Yom Kippur service. It offers several possible explanations as to why the prayer is repeated three time throughout the service.
What is a Machzor?
Machzor is the name of the special prayer book used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
High Holy Days Machzor: A Prayer Service for Young Children and Their Families
Recommended reading level: ages 4-8, Pre-k, Kindergarten and early elementary school
A simple collection of prayers used to celebrate the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur Children’s Machzor
Recommended reading level: ages 4-8, Pre-k, Kindergarten and early elementary school
This Machzor helps children to better understand the meaning of Yom Kippur. The original clay sculptures in this 64 page prayer book make it more fun and easier for children to understand and follow along.
Yom Kippur: A Family Service
Recommended reading level: ages 4-8, Pre-k, Kindergarten and early elementary school
This is a great Yom Kippur book for families, as it offers something for everyone, with stories and artwork for younger children and readings to challenge older children. It’s focus is tefillah, teshuvah, and tzedakah (prayer, repentance and sharing) throughout the Yom Kippur service.
Days of Awe
The High Holidays are:
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
The 10 days between (and including) them are the Days of Awe.
Recommended reading level: ages 9-12