By
– January 9, 2012
This attractive collection of short rhyming poems is filled with tidbits describing Jewish traditions and holidays with a few Yiddish words thrown in among the Hebrew terms. From “Bagels” and “Bubbe” to “Tallit” and “Tzedakah,” Kiddish Yiddish covers Jewish values, holidays and life cycle events, one short couplet poem at a time. Not all poems work rhythmically, nor rhyme perfectly. But if that can be overlooked, this book might work particularly well shared by a grandparent with a grandchild. It is a useful teaching tool, filled with appealing traditions and accentuated by gentle and timeless illustrations. Ages 4 – 8.
Marcia Berneger is a retired teacher who lives with her husband and three crazy dogs. She taught both first and second grade, as well as special education. She currently teaches Torah school, in addition to her volunteer work in classrooms, libraries, and with various fundraisers. She lives in San Diego.