In Pirkei Avot, an ancient collection of Jewish wisdom, the sages advise each of us to “acquire for yourself a friend.” There’s nothing better than knowing that someone understands you and is there for you. In Jewish tradition, it’s even customary to pair up when studying religious texts. These study buddies are called hevruta, derived from the Aramaic word for “friendship.” Friendship enhances everything!
The nine books in this list feature delightful stories about interesting, unexpected, and absolutely wonderful friendships. Each of these stories remind us that friendship can be found in the most unexpected of places and that true connections can be formed between people (and even animals) of all backgrounds.
by Laura Gehl
Britta knows that Apple and Magnolia are best friends, even if they are just trees. Britta gets a chance to be a good friend, too, as she helps the pair get through a tough winter. Enchanting illustrations accompany a sweet story about taking care of nature and each other.
by Hava Deevon
Saul from Romania has always dreamed of living in Israel, and so has Solomon from Yemen. When these two travelers meet on the shores of Tel Aviv, they share their stories and their joy.
by Bonnie Grubman
Bubbe loves having everyone over for Shabbat dinner, almost as much as her dog, Bart, loves matzoh balls. But when the matzoh balls won’t stay in the pot, the pair must get creative to get the chaos under control.
by Leslie Kimmelman
Do you have three heads? Or green skin? No matter who you are or what you look like, you too can be a mensch! Doing good deeds can be enjoyed by all, even a monster.
by Eric A. Kimmel
Miriam goes out to the woods to practice blowing the shofar (ram’s horn) for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. When she hears munching and crunching, she realizes she’s not alone: A Sasquatch is sitting in the tree, eating the apples her family will need for the holiday! Miriam rushes to judgment, but eventually she understands that she and the Sasquatch have more in common than she realized — and that there are plenty of apples to go around.
by Patricia Polacco
A long-lasting friendship begins between Larnel, a young African American, and Mrs. Katz, a lonely Jewish widow, when Larnel presents Mrs. Katz with a scrawny kitten.
by Cary Fagan
Marky likes spending time with his neighbor, Mr. Tempkin, a lot, even though there’s quite an age difference between them. His father says this is a mitzvah, but Marky doesn’t understand why until Mr. Tempkin falls from a tree and gets hurt. Then Marky learns how being a good friend can also be a good deed.
by Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod
When Maddie moves from the United States to Israel, there are many things she misses about home, especially around Thanksgiving. But soon she makes friends with other olim, immigrants to Israel, including her friend Orly from Ethiopia. When Orly shares the Ethiopian holiday of Sigd with Maddie, they come up with a perfect melting-pot recipe!
by Deborah da Costa
Two boys living in Jerusalem — one Muslim, the other Jewish — are surprised to discover they’ve been looking after the same stray cat.
Discuss
- Do your friends help you feel happy?
- What can you do to help a friend or family member?
- Why is it important to learn from other people?
More
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7 Ways to Teach Kids About Friendship
How to Keep In Touch With Faraway Friends
August 13, 2024