Review: Sharing Shalom
Sharing Shalom
by Danielle Sharkan, illustrated by Selina Alko
Holiday House, 2024
Category: Picture Books
Reviewer: Suzanne Grossman
Buy at Bookshop.org
Based on an actual event from the author’s childhood, we experience antisemitism through the eyes of Leila, a young girl proud of being a Jew. She loves Hebrew School; learning Hebrew connects her to her ancestors, helping her feel she is part of the chain sharing Judaism through the ages. She likes connecting the shapes of the Hebrew letters to related words. For example, the lamed, standing up straight and tall, looks like a leader; the mem with its curves looks like waves of water for mayim. When her synagogue is vandalized she is devastated to learn that she can be hated for being Jewish. Back in her public school classroom, she doesn’t want to be different because of her religion. Trying to be like everyone else, she tucks in her Star of David necklace and stops eating “Jewish” foods. But while trying to blend in, she realizes everyone stands out in some way. Returning to the synagogue with her mother to revisit the trauma, she sees her whole community, all different kinds of people, have come together to repair the damage. When the restoration is complete, the Rabbi recites the shehecheyanu blessing. They all join hands and Leila regains her Jewish pride and appreciation of our diverse world.
This is a valuable book, appropriately dealing with the tragic reality of antisemitism for younger readers, sadly an important topic in this challenging time. Jewish representation is present on every page, with beautiful Hebrew lettering and images of the synagogue throughout. The acrylic and colored pencil collage artwork is vibrant and the characters’ faces are expressive. Leila’s face clearly shows the emotions she experiences, especially her returning happiness and confidence as the story unfolds. Backmatter and a glossary add value. The book doesn’t represent a particular stream of Judaism and Leila attends a diverse public school. This book is an excellent resource, opening space for discussions about discrimination in general, and antisemitism in particular, for Jewish and non-Jewish readers.
Based on an actual event from the author’s childhood, we experience antisemitism through the eyes of Leila, a young girl proud of being a Jew. She loves Hebrew School; learning Hebrew connects her to her ancestors, helping her feel she is part of the chain sharing Judaism through the ages. She likes connecting the shapes of the Hebrew letters to related words. For example, the lamed, standing up straight and tall, looks like a leader; the mem with its curves looks like waves of water for mayim. When her synagogue is vandalized she is devastated to learn that she can be hated for being Jewish. Back in her public school classroom, she doesn’t want to be different because of her religion. Trying to be like everyone else, she tucks in her Star of David necklace and stops eating “Jewish” foods. But while trying to blend in, she realizes everyone stands out in some way. Returning to the synagogue with her mother to revisit the trauma, she sees her whole community, all different kinds of people, have come together to repair the damage. When the restoration is complete, the Rabbi recites the shehecheyanu blessing. They all join hands and Leila regains her Jewish pride and appreciation of our diverse world.
This is a valuable book, appropriately dealing with the tragic reality of antisemitism for younger readers, sadly an important topic in this challenging time. Jewish representation is present on every page, with beautiful Hebrew lettering and images of the synagogue throughout. The acrylic and colored pencil collage artwork is vibrant and the characters’ faces are expressive. Leila’s face clearly shows the emotions she experiences, especially her returning happiness and confidence as the story unfolds. Backmatter and a glossary add value. The book doesn’t represent a particular stream of Judaism and Leila attends a diverse public school. This book is an excellent resource, opening space for discussions about discrimination in general, and antisemitism in particular, for Jewish and non-Jewish readers.
Illustration Editor Dena Bach adds: The illustrator adds depth to each collage image by layering in pieces of paper with type from the languages of each culture represented.
Be aware that in the illustration where all the children link arms, the complete word for G-d is written out in Hebrew letters, which according to halacha, Jewish law, adds a degree of holiness. Therefore, according to halacha, when this book becomes worn out or to be discarded, this page should be put in a geniza, a repository for sacred manuscripts and ritual objects.
Are you interested in reviewing books for The Sydney Taylor Shmooze? Click here!
Comments
Post a Comment