Havdalah, Hebrew for "separation," marks the end of Shabbat and separates it from the week to come. A
special braided candle is lighted for the ceremony and a blessing for wine or grape juice is said. Then a box of
spices is passed around for all to breathe in the fragrance, a reminder of the sweetness of Shabbat until the next
Friday. Learn more about Havdalah with these picture books.
Recommended for children 2 to 4 years old
Ever wonder how a dinosaur celebrates Shabbat? Well, wonder no more! But get ready to clean up
after him...
Recommended for children 6 months to 2 years old
Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is a time for cozy family togetherness. But come Saturday evening, Shabbat is over. The family in the story, a young girl joined by her Mama, Ima, Savta, and Saba, gathers together to perform the rituals of Havdalah, marking the end of Shabbat and the return to the work week. Together they show just how cozy even the end of Shabbat can be.
Recommended for children 3 to 4 years old
A young boy visiting his grandparents for Shabbat has a wonderful time despite (or maybe, in
part, because of) a rare Georgia snowstorm that causes the power to go out.
Recommended for children 6 months to 2 years old
Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, caps off the end of each week. When it’s over, it’s time for Havdalah, the ceremony that closes Shabbat. Join the family in this sweet book as they say goodbye to Shabbat and hello to a new week.
Recommended for children 7 to 8 years old
In this Algerian folktale, Yosef is determined to keep the Sabbath--even though he is in the
middle of a dangerous desert journey. But he knows he’ll be all right because he is getting help from
a powerful friend.
Recommended for children 4 to 5 years old
Jonah got the hiccups--and it’s Shabbat! How can he get his hiccups to quiet down?
Everyone has a remedy.
Recommended for children birth to 2 years old
With the sunset on Friday night and the appearance of stars on the following evening, with the
kindling of Shabbat candles and the extinguishing of a Havdalah candle, this book shows how light marks the
start and finish of the Jewish Sabbath..
Grown-Up Read:
“What I Learned from Celebrating Havdalah with My Family” by author
Carla Naumburg
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about Havdalah
The PJ Library Havdalah Hub
December 8, 2020