Review: Time for Tefillah

Time for Tefillah

by Devorah Schwebel, illustrated by Tova Katz

Hachai Publishing, 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Judy Ehrenstein

 

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A young Orthodox boy cheerfully details all the ways he and his family find time for tefillah (prayer), told in four-line rhyming stanzas. Every opportunity for prayer, whether saying modeh ani upon waking, going to shul, and fitting in words of Tehilim (psalms) into busy days, and more are done with joy and appreciation, as ways to thank Hashem for everything. The stanzas mostly work and have a natural flow without forcing the rhyme scheme. The illustrations feature Ashkenazi people, with fair skin and brown and red hair, drawn in a retro style reminiscent of the Little Golden Books. The text and life depicted work well together, joining a tale of all the ways to praise Hashem, with images of people living very traditional, pious lives in a modern world. 

The Jewish world depicted is deeply traditional, marked by modest dress, single gender schools, and an emphasis on praying throughout the day, all in appreciation of God. This world exists separately yet also as part of the modern, secular world: the father uses a computer, repairs toys, and rakes leaves. This book will speak to the community depicted and is best suited for collections serving them as well as in homes with these practices and views. A glossary is included but non-Orthodox readers are definitely not the intended audience.

 

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Reviewer Judy Ehrenstein is a children's librarian in Maryland. She has served on the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee, several ALA-ALSC committees, and is an editor with AJL News and Reviews.