A WHALE OF A TALE
A Sabbath Summer Solstice Story
By: Kerry M. Olitzky
Illustrated by: Krystyna Nowak
Published: April 1, 2023
Publisher: Relevant Publishers, LLC
Fiction
On a trip to Alaska, Tova realizes that the sun doesn’t necessarily set as it does at home. When they arrive after 9:00 PM, it is still light out. Tova, a Jewish girl, worries about how they will know to end Shabbat on Saturday night if the sun doesn’t set.
Shabbat is the Jewish Day of Rest. Shabbat happens each week from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. During Shabbat, Jewish people remember the story of creation from the Torah where God created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th day. Different Jewish people celebrate Shabbat in different ways.
Tova and her mom arrive at the lodge in Alaska and take in the beautiful landscape. During their trip, Shabbat falls on the Summer Solstice which means the day is even longer in Alaska. How will Tova know to end Shabbat? She and her mom head out to explore the area and the various wildlife including a bear, moose, porcupine, porcupine, eagle, and more. Tova’s mom suggests that maybe she ask the animals how she will know when Shabbat ends.
Unfortunately, none of the animals are able to help her until an orca whale jumps through the water and shares an important lesson about the sun and how Alaskans mark their days. Tova and her mom celebrate Shabbat during the Summer Solstice while being reminded to enjoy the moment and not rush through what just might be something amazing.
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Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, fiction, Judiasm, Krystyna A Nowak, Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, summer