Illustrated by Ron Mazellan
Purchase an autographed copy of this book
From Abraham to Zayde, and from ancient times to modern day, A is for Abraham: A Jewish Family Alphabet encompasses the history of Jewish traditions and customs and how they are still popularly practiced today.
Following the alphabet, a poem identifies the letter topic while sidebar text provides background information.
C could be the challah that my bubbe used to braid,
or C could be the chicken soup, when I was sick she made,
or chocolate coins on Chanukah we added to our coffers.
But I say C should be for chai, to “life” and all it offers.
This joyful celebration of family and heritage includes the meaning behind celebrations such as the Festival of Lights, Passover, and Sukkot; important names and stories from the Old Testament; and how modern-day families continue to celebrate their heritage.
- Sydney Taylor Award – Silver Medal – 2009 Association of Jewish Librarians
- A PJ Library Selection Feature Selection
- 2009 Skipping Stones Multicultural Honor Award
This aesthetically designed multi-faceted book provides much more than a Jewish primer through an alphabet model. Michelson has developed a dual text through his poetic introductions to Jewish-themed subjects or traditions following a corresponding letter of the alphabet and his well-written prose expanding on each in a smaller font side-bar. Careful to justify and address his audience as one of a general population, he refers to his philosophy as “Judaism is a tree with many different branches, but all are nourished by the same roots…Like a choir sounds best when it blends different voices, / Jews should applaud Jews who’ve made different choices.
—2009 Sydney Taylor Honor Book for Younger Readers
“A is for Abraham” appears to be inexorably headed for greater regional, national and even international recognition. Sophisticated yet accessible and child-friendly, whimsical yet respectful, offering a multi-dimensional understanding of Judaism relatable to people of all ages and faiths, stunningly beautiful, and encyclopedically informative without being at all pedantic, the book holds the promise of becoming a genuine classic.
—Judy Polan, Jewish Ledger
“This Joyful celebration of family and heritage includes the meaning behind celebrations such as the Festival of Lights, Passover, and Sukkot; important names and stories from the Old Testament; and how modern-day families continue to celebrate their heritage (read more)”
—Long Island Jewish World
…the positive feelings and overall coherence and presentation make for a book that is highly recommended.
—Jewish Book World
…Michelson points out that there are many branches of Judaism, and the pages celebrate several different cultures. Most of the warm, colorful pictures show families at home observing traditions together… this is a title that adults and kids will want to share and talk about together.
—Booklist
This is a solid choice for identity-building and education in Jewish settings
—School Library Journal