Miss Debby's Best-Loved Children's Books: The December Dilemma

Charlotte Jewish News December 2021

Debby Block

December brings many challenges to Jewish families as well as interfaith families. The convergence of multiple holidays, including Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, has aptly been named the “December Dilemma.”

Being surrounded by a predominantly Christian culture can make it difficult to explain why your family celebrates one way, when it seems everyone else is doing something completely different. I clearly remember my 5-year-old son begging to put Christmas lights on our house, when our family tradition was to celebrate only Hanukkah.

On the other hand, many interfaith families choose to celebrate two holidays. The dilemma here is how to embrace and respect both traditions. This month, I would like to share books that may help you and your child understand and accept the challenges — as well as the joys — of December.

Anyone who’s ever asked, “Why can’t we have a Christmas tree?” will enjoy “Dear Santa, Love Rachel Rosenstein,” a lighthearted story about being Jewish during the holiday season, written by actress Amanda Peet. “Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein” perfectly describes the December dilemma. With a dose of reality and a dollop of humor, this picture book lovingly explores Rachel’s longing to celebrate Christmas. In the end, Rachel meets many friends at a Chinese restaurant who also do not celebrate Christmas, including Lucy Deng, Mike Rashid, and Amina Singh. Recommended for ages 4-8.

One of my personal favorite books for all seasons is “The Only One Club” by Jane Naliboff. As the only student who celebrates Hanukkah in her class, Jennifer decides to create an exclusive club. One by one, Jennifer’s classmates all ask to be part of the “only one” club as they discover that every student has a unique characteristic. I love the way this book embraces and celebrates individuality. Recommended for ages 5-8.

“Nonna’s Hanukkah Surprise” by Karen Fisman is a touching book about a young Jewish girl’s visit to her Italian grandmother (Nonna) who celebrates Christmas. Rachel’s family packs up all its Hanukkah items to celebrate the Jewish holiday at Nonna’s house, but Rachel loses her brand new menorah on the airplane. Happily, Nonna finds a very special way to save Hanukkah! This story is appropriate for families for whom grandparents and extended family have different celebration traditions. Recommended for children ages 3–8.

“The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate” is a book based on actual events that took place in Montana. When the Schnitzers display their Hanukkah menorah, someone throws a rock through their window. In the end, people across the town of Billings all display menorahs to stand together against bigotry and acts of hatred. Written by psychotherapist Dr. Janice Cohn, this book deals with antisemitism. For this reason, I would recommend that parents share this book and discuss together. Appropriate for students in grades 4-7.

Miss Debby’s best-loved books and many other books about Hanukkah are available at the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library. Please stop in and pick up a copy to share with your family. Alternatively, you may call us at (704) 944-6783 or email library@jewishcharlotte. org to reserve any book or even request curbside pick up.

HANUKKAH KITS AVAIL- ABLE ! Kits for parents to discuss Hanukkah in classroom will be available on December 1. Quantities are limited; please call to reserve your kit today: (704) 944-6783.