Resources for Elul

For Children

Elul is a time of reflection and a time when we continue to spend a lot of time outdoors. Here are some books for you and your students to enjoy during Elul.

The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco (1993). Published by Philomel Books, New York, NY.

An old style folk-tale, this is an adventure of a grandfather and granddaughter following the trail of a bee to its honey spot. Soon the whole town is following along. When they find and retrieve the honey, the grandfather places a spoonful on a book so that the granddaughter may begin her lifetime of Jewish study appreciating its sweetness.

Behold The Trees by Sue Alexander, Illustrated by Leonid Gore (2001). Published by Scholastic Press, New York.

This book, written for Tu B’Shevat--the holiday of the trees, is also appropriate for the month of Av or any month where you might focus on Israel or nature. The book is part history, part poetry, and all gloriously illustrated.

God In Between by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Illustrated by Sally Sweetland (1998). Published by Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, VT.

This is the story of a town whose inhabitants decide they want to "see" G-d. They overcome many obstacles together in their search. They ultimately discover that while G-d’s presence may not be seen, it is clearly felt all around them.

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood, Watercolors by Cheng-Khee Chee (1992). Published by Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers, Duluth, MN.

In 1993 "Old Turtle" won awards from the American Booksellers Association and the International Reading Association. Its simple text is deeply moving, and challenges the reader to think about G-d and G-d’s presence all around us. The book clearly shows that the responsibility to take care of the world is ours.

For Early Childhood Educators

There are some great Web sites which provide background information about the month of Elul Here are a few suggested sites:

"ABC's of Elul" by Rabbi Shraga Simmons, www.aish.com/holidays/the_high_holidays/articles/ABCs_of_Elul_p.asp
This article, written in very clear language presents a good introduction to the month of Elul.

"Elul: A Time to Reflect", www.ou.org/chagim/elul

This site, produced by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, features an "All About Elul" section which contains a variety of articles that provide background information about the month of Elul and Rosh Chodesh Elul.

"The Month of Elul- The Power of Repentance" by Rabbi Yehuday Prero, www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/elulrosh/vol3no13.html

This article, produced on the torah.org by Project Genesis, Inc. presents information about the Month of Elul and repentance.