Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, a time when families get together to celebrate with traditional meals of round challah bread, apples with honey, brisket, and apple cake. Dina, her brother, mother, and father have just moved to a new town and are busy unpacking. They decide to return to their home town, which is only a few hours away, to bring in the New Year with friends as they have done in the past.
But a series of obstacles upset their plans. They are locked out of their house, and then they have a flat tire. What a way to start a New Year! They respond with disappointment as they return to unpacking. But then a friend of their father recommends they attend Temple Shalom. He invites the family to dinner and they are happy as larks to bring in the New Year with a festive traditional meal.
Jacqueline Jules has written this Jewish picture book for children ages 3 to 8 years of age. It reveals the optimism and hope in Rosh Hashanah and the ways the spiritual practice of hospitality brings people together in community.
