Shoshi’s Shabbat

K-Gr 3–The saying “dumb as an ox” does not apply to Shoshi. Many years ago in Jerusalem, Shoshi’s first owner, Simon, would use the young ox to pull the plow as he tilled the fields. Simon and Shoshi worked hard six days a week, then rested on the seventh day, the Shabbat. On this day, Simon enjoyed his grandchildren’s games and songs, and Shoshi appreciated her fresh hay and clean water while resting in the barn. When Simon grows too old to work the fields, he sells Shoshi to Yohanan, a new arrival who is not Jewish. Yohanan is happy with Shoshi’s physical strength and compatible nature for the first six days he works with her, but is puzzled by her refusal to work in the fields on the seventh day. This pattern continues until Yohanan discovers that the ox is wise. There are merits to a day of rest. Based on a traditional Jewish tale, this story celebrates the value of taking a break, connecting with nature, and honoring religious observances. The acrylic paint illustrations depict the climate, architecture, and people of Jerusalem two thousand years ago. The author’s note reveals that the story is based on a real person, Rabbi Yohanan ben Torta, and his conversion to the Jewish religion due to a behavior of a young ox who observed the Shabbat.