Children may hear about immigration and refugees from your own family’s history, current events, or from books like Anna & Solomon. Initiating discussions about complex subjects with our kids helps them deepen their understanding and feel comfortable coming to us when other difficult issues arise in the future. Below, you’ll find some Jewish learning, family conversation starters, a craft inspired by Solomon’s gift to Anna, and more recommended resources.
While we hope all of this will inspire meaningful discussion, you definitely do not have to read it all or become an expert – it’s equally important to model for kids that we can have these talks without knowing all the answers.
Learn
Areyvut, Caring for Each Other
In one of the earliest stories of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), Cain asks God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Jewish culture places high value on areyvut, Hebrew for “mutual responsibility.” Our mandate to care for one another starts with our family, something Anna seems to understand very well. Even though she misses Solomon (and Solomon misses her!), she puts other members of her family on the boat ahead of her, making sure no one will be left behind to fend for themselves. When they are finally all together again, they can breathe easy: “Behold how good and pleasant it is to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).
Discuss
- Why does Anna keep sending other members of her family to America while she stays behind in Europe?
- What do you notice about Vitebsk, the town where Anna and Solomon live before they come to America?
- Are the people happy there?
- Why, or why not?
- What do the illustrations reveal about life on the Lower East Side of New York in the 1890s?
- How do you think people felt about living there?
Do
Solomon gives Anna real flowers when he meets her at the boat, and he paints “clusters of colossal flowers” on the walls to welcome her to their new home. Talk to kids about family members you haven’t seen for a long time. What would be nice to give to them?
Here’s an easy way to craft flowers inspired by this book. Make some for your home or to brighten someone else’s.
How to Make Clusters of Colossal Flowers
Supplies:
- Construction paper in different colors
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue stick
Instructions:
- Cut several rough circle shapes out of some construction paper.
- Draw large petal shapes on construction paper and cut them out.
- Glue the petals onto the circle shapes to create flowers.
- When the glue has dried, give these flowers as a gift or hang them somewhere that people will see them and smile!
More
Jewish Children's Books That Help Kids Understand The Refugee Experience
Children's Books About Immigration
PJ Library's Resource Round-up: Talking About Refugees With Kids
Visiting Ellis Island
July 12, 2024