It's Tot Shabbat!

PreS—This entry depicts a synagogue Shabbat Club where young children play while their parents attend services. Mixed in with blocks and games like ring-around-the-rosy are listening to a story from the Torah, prayers, and a Shabbat snack of challah and grape juice. Finally, the children join their parents in the sanctuary for the concluding prayers. The title of the book is somewhat misleading since many synagogues define Tot Shabbat as a family-friendly worship service-see Paula Feldstein's The Tot Shabbat Handbook (Urj Press, 2009)—as opposed to a separate baby-sitting scenario. This "what to expect" photo-essay will be most useful in congregations using the model depicted. The text is simple, and despite the inclusion of a basic glossary, the story is clearly meant for readers familiar with Shabbat. Hebrew, English, and transliterated blessings for wine and bread are included at the back. The color photos are realistic and sweet, if a bit cluttered. The style of dress implies non-Orthodox Judaism, and the boys are inconsistent in keeping their heads covered. Several photos near the end of the book may disturb some readers, as they show children holding toy and miniature Torahs upside down or sideways. This may make the book unacceptable in some Jewish settings.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL