~ Miss Debby’s Bookshelf ~

Charlotte Jewish News August 2021

BOOK REVIEW “I Have a Jewish Name” by Rochel Vorst

By Debby Block

Rochel Vorst’s newest book, “I Have a Jewish Name,” is a joyful expression of Jewish identity. Released in the spring of 2020, Vorst’s rhyming book includes 170 Jewish names in Hebrew and Yiddish.

As a longtime Jewish educator and storyteller, I have often found it challenging to find books for children about their Jewish names. This picture book explains the whys and wherefores of receiving a Jewish name.

I highly recommend this book for young children. The laminated pages and the bright illustrations by Dena Ackerman lend to the positive, uplifting message of joyful Judaism. While this book is most appropriate for ages 1-5 years old, I also recommend it for kindergarten, 1st-and-2nd grade religious school teachers.

As the High Holidays are rapidly approaching, I also recommend Vorst’s picture book for preschoolers called “Time to Start a Brand New Year.” This rhyming book is a romp through all the symbols of Rosh Hashanah including apple picking, honey, round challah, pomegranates, tashlich, and shofars.

About Rochel Vorst:

Rochel Vorst is the oldest daughter of Rabbi Yossi Groner and Mariashi Groner, founders of Chabad of Charlotte. Although not quite a Charlotte native, Rochel has been in Charlotte since she was three months old. Rochel has been a kindergarten teacher for the past 18 years, is married to Rabbi Menachem Vorst, and has six children of her own. “I have a Jewish Name” is Vorst’s third published picture book.

Interview with author Rochel Vorst

Debby Block: How did you start writing books?

Rochel Vorst: My first book was inspired by listening to my younger sister reading a version of “The House that Jack Built.” I realized that the format fit perfectly with the concept of building a sukkah! So I created the book in my head during a Shabbat, repeating the verses over and over so as not to forget. After Shabbat, I quickly wrote it down. I was only 18 at the time. It wasn’t until years later that my mother, Mariashi Groner, found the book and sent it off to HaChai publishing. And that’s how I became a published children’s author.

DB: Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

RV: One hundred percent from my students.

DB: And do you have a goal when writing for your students?

RV: My goal is to share the joy of Judaism!

DB: How long does it typically take you to write a book?

RV: Initially, I am able to write a book quite quickly. Of course, the editing process can take four to five years. Dina Rosenthal has been a wonderful editor and has helped in so many ways. I am currently working toward becoming an editor.

DB: Did you ever want to illustrate your own books? RV: No, not really. DB: Well then, how do you feel about illustrations in your books?

RV: The illustrator is selected by the editor. In the case of my new book “I Have a Jewish Name,” I was very pleased with the diversity in the illustrations.

DB: What was your favorite Jewish book as a child?

RV: Of course the selection of Jewish books was far more limited when I was younger. But the one I loved the most was “Ten and a Kid” by Sadie Weilerstein. I have always been drawn to descriptions of life in the shtetl.

DB: “I Have Jewish Name” is your third children’s picture book. Have you considered writing for other ages as well?

RV: Yes, I am working on a book for 3rd-6th graders that will be set in Hebron (Israel) in 1845. It is actually based on my own family’s history.

Rochel Vorst