On Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) morning, Rabbi Becca followed a dusty pawprint into the coat room of the temple, and there she found a caramel-colored Schnoodle. For the next ten days, up to Yom Kippur, Rabbi Becca brought the little dog to service, hoping he’d be claimed, but he wasn’t, so she adopted and named him Mazel (lucky). Now, as part of the temple mishpacha (family), Mazel wanted to participate in all the activities with the children; he even joined the children’s choir during the Hanukkah celebration, to everyone’s astonishment. He was also quite mischievous. His loud bark set off a neighborhood howl; he got involved in a couple of accidents, including pulling the Passover tablecloth and sending cups and plates into the air; and he made a wet mess when he drank water. But these mischiefs were little compared to the love that Mazel shared with his mishpacha in Mazel's Mishpacha by Karen Gorback, PhD.

I loved Mazel’s Mishpacha for several reasons. The story was simple but warm and heartfelt; it was about love, acceptance, and traditions. I loved the beautiful and colorful watercolor illustrations by Cydney Bittner. I loved Mazel’s bouncy, kind, and imperfect nature. I also loved that the story featured a female rabbi; it appeals to my sentiments. I learned several Hebrew and Yiddish words (and concepts by extension) from this book, pleasant additions to my vocabulary. Of course, I consulted Google for the meaning of these words, but I saw that the book had a glossary. There were also some discussion questions, which made for an engaging conversation or reflection. This book had such a familiar, homely feel, and if I were Jewish, I bet I would have felt nostalgic. I enjoyed Mazel’s Mishpacha by Karen Gorback, PhD, and recommend it especially for young Jewish children and for children who are curious about everything.

Mazel’s Mishpacha by Karen Gorback, PhD, is a delightful little picture book that uses a cute schnoodle dog to illustrate a year of Jewish religious holidays. When the local rabbi finds Mazel, a caramel colored, curly-coated schnoodle that wandered into the synagogue on Rosh Hashanah, she decides she will look after the little dog, at least until the owner or a new home can be found. Mazel (Hebrew for luck), as he is named, quickly becomes an enormous hit amongst the children in the synagogue and settles down in what he feels is his new home. We will follow Mazel through the Jewish calendar year and the observances of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hannukkah, Purim, Passover, and Shabbat, as Mazel becomes an integral part of the synagogue mishpacha (Hebrew for family).

Mazel’s Mishpacha is a beautiful introduction to Jewish religious celebrations. Karen Gorback uses this cute, bouncy little dog to highlight the importance of family, love, belonging, and Jewish faith to young children everywhere. Knowledge and understanding of different cultures and faiths can never begin at too young an age. I enjoyed the illustrations by Cydney Bittner, which were colorful and engaging and clearly drawn from the heart. The story is easy for young children to read and understand. I could certainly see myself reading this to my grandchildren, even though we are not Jewish. I very much appreciated the glossary of Yiddish and Hebrew words and terms peppered throughout the story. This gives a greater understanding of the book for non-Jewish readers. Similarly, the discussion questions at the end will allow parents, grandparents, and teachers to expand the discussion on the themes of family, love, and belonging. This is an excellent introduction to the Jewish religious holidays and the overarching theme of family. I highly recommend this book to young children of any background, culture, or faith.