Review: Tzimmes for Tzipporah
Tzimmes for Tzipporah
by Megan Hoyt, illustrated by Christine Battuz
Apples & Honey Press (imprint of Behrman House), 2023
It's the first year that Tzipporah is old enough
to help with the early fall harvest on her family's farm. Three
days before the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, she rides on the tractor
driven by her father, and they turn the soil. Tzipporah learns that the
tractor has uncovered various root vegetables. Two days before Rosh
Hashanah, our little main character helps gather the rutabagas, yams,
turnips, potatoes, and carrots. She and her friends scrub off all the
dirt. The day before Rosh Hashanah, Tzipporah and her folks ready the
tzimmes, using an old family recipe. And on Rosh Hashanah they enjoy the
tzimmes with friends and family after synagogue. A recipe and an
author's note round out this sweet farm-to-table Rosh Hashanah
story. The illustrations, which are bright and engaging, depict a
light-skinned family with a darker-skinned friend. The tzimmes and
brisket menu suggests an Ashkenazic family. The family drives to synagogue on the holiday,
hence representing branches of Judaism whose members do so as well.
The book is a good contender for the Sydney Taylor award. This authentic Jewish story is unique in
connecting
tradition with family farming. Reading this book prior to Rosh Hashanah
will give an opportunity to talk about where food comes from as well as
ways to prepare for the holiday. Jewish and non-Jewish readers will learn about root vegetable farming, tzimmes, and
basics about Rosh Hashanah.
Editor's Note: The meal in the book is not kosher, as it includes both brisket and tzimmes cooked with butter, mixing meat with dairy. This may align with the dietary practice of some readers, but not with others.
Great review! Makes me want to read the book.
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