Return to Newsletter main page!

5 Books All Jewish Parents Should Check Out!

By  ISJL Education Fellow Paige Beame
 
Below is a list of books for Parents to read or discuss with your children, allowing them to get a unique perspective on Judaism and living a Jewish life!
 
To Raise a Jewish Child: a Guide for Parents by Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin
To be a Jew is a unique treasury of practical information and daily inspiration, and that is what you’ll learn from this book. This book draws Jewish connections to the past and present. As an introduction to traditional Judaism for contemporary Americans, this book written for parents seeking guidance in helping their children find meaning and satisfaction to their Jewish identity.
 
The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel, Ph. D.
If you have questions, this book has you covered. Using the wisdom of the Torah, Talmud, and Jewish teachings, this author gives us several insights and answers. Using blessings, Dr. Mogel provides parents with a new set of priorities, helping to ease apprehension while creating a positive feeling about the future.
 
The Joys and Oys of Parenting by Maurice J. Ph.D., Marilyn E. Gootman EdD, and Heather L. Schwartz MA 
Following the traditions of Jewish wisdom, this book uses the knowledge of developmental professions to offer practical ideas, advice, and inspiration. This book emphasizes being mindful of the joys involved in parenting while helping our children learn to live with integrity.
 
The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
This book is excellent to read to your kids. This story is about traditions upheld by four generations of a family. The plot follows a quilt that is built out of cloths that have great importance from each mother-daughter duo. One of the best parts about it is that it is based on a real-life story. You will undoubtedly appreciate it, and so will your children.
 
Balanced Parenting by Dr. David Pelcovitz and Rabbi Raphael Pelcovitz 
If you want to raise a mensch, then this book is for you! Answering a critical question is the goal of Balanced Parenting, an excellent, reader-friendly guide to raising children in our challenging world. This book responds to challenges like loss and terror, at-risk children, and strategies to help with self-respect, and provides concrete recommendations and tools to raise a successful, happy child.
​