Election day is here. Candidates have been debating. Advertisements have been trying to persuade us. Now it's time to vote. But what are Elections really about?
Elections are about tikkun olam, repairing the world, in whatever ways we can. Each candidate in the Tuesday election is aiming to repair the world in one way or another.
As we head into the polling booths, it's important to ask your children what it is that they care about. Through family discussions (and the PJ library books below!), you can teach your children about the importance of the presidential elections, voting, and being informed about political issues.
ECONOMIC ISSUES
Why are politicians debating economic issues? In what ways do we help those that are less fortunate? Why do we feed the hungry?
These PJ library books might help to open the family discourse up to difficult topics surrounding tikkun olam, like the economy, the deficit, or the upcoming election.
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Bagels from Benny
Author: Aubrey Davis
Illustrator: Dusan Petricic
SYNOPSIS: While working in his grandfather's bakery, Benny learns the joys of giving and receiving, caring and gratitude. Benny practices tikkun olam, and learns the importance of giving back to those less fortunate than himself. |
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Bone Button Borscht
Author: Aubrey Davis
Illustrator: Dusan Petricic
SYNOPSIS: In this gentle retelling of the Stone Soup tale, an imaginative beggar teaches the miserly residents of a shtetl the spirit of community. The story teaches that giving back to the community is one of the most import mitzvot, and that no matter what it is that you can afford to give, giving back is still important. |
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Joseph and the Sabbath Fish
Author: Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrator: Martina Peluso
SYNOPSIS: Joseph always welcomes guests to his Sabbath table, while his neighbor Judah scoffs at Joseph's generosity. Even as his fortunes decline, Joseph's door remains open. Times change and Judah turns to Joseph for help. A very special fish helps save the day. |
IMMIGRATION ISSUES
Has your family ever traveled to another country? Do you know anyone that moved somewhere permanently? These books may introduce families to ideas about immigration. See the book list, Children's Books About Immigration.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Environmental issues are a big topic in the election this year. Especially in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, politicians are talking about "caring for the world."
Here are a few books that will help to introduce your little ones to the importance of appreciating the environment from an early age.
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Good Night, Laila Tov
Author: Laurel Snyder
Illustrator: Jui Ishida
SYNOPSIS: A family car trip turns into an exploration of the natural wonders of the seashore, woods, and fields, in gratitude and to make the world a better place, the parents plant trees. As the day progresses, the family adventure is marked by the recurring refrain: "good night, laila tov." |
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A Tree Is Nice
Author: Janice Udry
Illustrator: Marc Simont
SYNOPSIS: Why is it nice to have a tree? This book describes a variety of ways in which people make use of trees and explains some of the many reasons that they are so important to us all. |
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Dear Tree
Author: Doba Weber
Illustrator: Phyllis Saroff
SYNOPSIS: On the Jewish New Year of the Trees (Tu B'Shvat), a little boy shares his hopes and wishes for trees—and especially for the one under which he plays. |
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November 4, 2012