"Ima, what does God look like?" "Papa, do you know where God lives?"
It's totally natural for kids to ask questions about God -- even if they live in a household that's not typically religious. Children form ideas about God and the existence of God from songs they hear, stories they read, conversations with family and friends, and sometimes just from their own imaginations.
If you've been putting off the "God talk," why not use the upcoming High Holidays as a perfect chance to dip your toe in and answer a few of your child's questions? After all, Rosh Hashanah is a time when Jewish people everywhere are in conversation with God as a means of observing the holiday.
While it can feel really intimidating when kids start asking about God, there are some great resources out there to help families have a conversation together -- and children's books are a wonderful tool.
If your kids are starting to ask big questions about God, reach for one of these titles:
Recommended for ages 5 and up
The Kids Book About series has been recommended by PJ parents, caretakers, and staff as a wonderful tool for talking to kids about big topics like racism, bullying, loss, and more. This new addition to the lineup tackles the topic of God from a secular perspective.
Recommended for ages 5 to 6
Based on a midrash, this story follows Abraham as he explores his own questions about God. The book also includes prompts for families.
Recommended for ages 5 to 6
This story is based on an old Jewish folktale and offers a very sweet take on how small children relate to God.
Recommended for ages 5 to 6
“Where did all the stars come from?” A grandfather offers an age-old Jewish explanation to his granddaughter and, in the process, teaches her about tikkun olam (repairing the world).
God in Between by Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Recommended for ages 4 to 5
Rabbi Eisenberg has written several books about God for children and any of them would be a solid place to start a simple discussion about spirituality.
Recommended for ages 2 to 3
Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the world--a day when everyone, from the lowliest insect to the mightiest animal, can celebrate and contribute.
Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner
Recommended for ages 2 to 4
This lovely and simple board book is a perfect introduction about the concept of God for small children. The Kushner family have also written other children's titles encouraging exploration and questions about God, such as .
Recommended for ages 6 to 7
Imagine a place where humans and the divine connect and commune. That was the mishkan (Hebrew for “dwelling place”)—an exquisite portable tent that would serve as a place for God to meet with Moses, the leader of the people, and where the people could bring offerings and connect with God. In this story, Bezalel finds beauty in the small things he discovers—shiny stones, blue and red strings, animal skins and wings. When the Israelites escape slavery, they don't have much with them, but Bezalel has just what is needed to make a new mishkan.
More
How to Talk to Your Kids About God via My Jewish Learning
Simple Ways to Talk to Your Kids About God via Fatherly
Children's Books About Jewish Spirituality and Religion via Jewish Lights Publishing
August 24, 2020