Review: The New Sefer Torah Parade
The New Sefer Torah Parade
by Tzivia Adler, illustrated by Mira Simon
Hachai, 2025
Category: Picture Books
Reviewer: Doreen Robinson
Told from the point of view of a young child, this beautiful book is about a community celebrating the completion of a new Sefer Torah. The excitement around this event feels genuine as the character explains that when this Torah is ready it will be taken to its new home in the shul (synagogue). And the real excitement (aside from this new Torah) is the community-wide parade with the Torah front and center.
The excitement builds as the rabbi, the child’s zeidy, and father each get the honor of writing the last letters in the Sefer Torah until it is complete. The Torah is lifted for all to see and then receives its velvet coat and silver crown. Now it’s ready for the parade, complete with torches, flags, music and a chuppah.
Throughout the story, important Hebrew words are used in context, but a glossary at the front is helpful.
The illustrations accurately show an orthodox religious community, with women separated from men. The representation resembles Eastern European/Ashkenazi Jews. There is also a man in a wheelchair.
The excitement builds as the rabbi, the child’s zeidy, and father each get the honor of writing the last letters in the Sefer Torah until it is complete. The Torah is lifted for all to see and then receives its velvet coat and silver crown. Now it’s ready for the parade, complete with torches, flags, music and a chuppah.
Throughout the story, important Hebrew words are used in context, but a glossary at the front is helpful.
The illustrations accurately show an orthodox religious community, with women separated from men. The representation resembles Eastern European/Ashkenazi Jews. There is also a man in a wheelchair.
This story offers Jewish (religious or secular) and non-Jewish readers insight into a special occasion – the completion and celebration of a new Sefer Torah. For those that aren’t aware, the Torah is handwritten by a sofer (scribe). As it says in the book, “It took a long, long time” - what that really means is that it likely took a year to complete. While young children might not understand how long a year is, it feels like an important point worth mentioning.
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Reviewer Doreen Klein Robinson is a journalist and editor for community newspapers. As a first-generation American, she's proud of her Israeli heritage. Her feet are in Florida but her heart is in Israel. Her debut picture book GOLEM LOVES LATKES: A Tasty Hanukkah Tale comes out in October by Intergalactic Afikoman, and is illustrated by Ana Krajewska. Pre-orders available where ever books are sold.
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