Rabbi Matzah: The Yom Kippur Book
Mike and Maya's Excellent Adventure
When Yom Kippur arrives, the house feels different. Quieter. Deeper. Not quiet like "everyone's asleep," but quiet like "everyone's thinking about something big." Mike and Maya know this is the holiday about saying sorry and trying again - but what does that really mean?
Before they can figure it out, a shimmer fills the room and Rabbi Matzah appears - sparkly coat, warm smile, and a shofar in hand. With gentle humor and heartfelt wisdom, he invites them on a magical journey to the City of Second Chances, where cobblestone streets glow, ancient stone walls hold whispered notes, and even the silence seems to shimmer with possibility.
As they walk through the city, the children witness fasting, prayer, reflection, and the powerful call of the shofar. They see people making space for honesty and courage. They discover that Yom Kippur isn't just about hunger or long services - it's about teshuvah (returning), forgiveness, accountability, compassion, and becoming just a little bit better than before.
Beautifully written and richly illustrated in full color, this 90-page keepsake introduces children to the meaning of the High Holy Days in ways that feel warm, accessible, and emotionally resonant. The story gently opens conversations about apologizing, listening deeply, making amends, and beginning again - themes that extend far beyond the holiday itself.
This special edition also includes:
- Traditional Yom Kippur prayers with child-friendly explanations
- Classic songs such as Kol Nidre and Avinu Malkeinu
- A helpful glossary of Jewish terms
- Family-friendly break-the-fast recipes
- Reflection prompts and discussion starters
- Coloring pages and interactive activity sections
- Rabbi Matzah's Maze
Created by author, illustrator, and designer Suzanne Pell, Rabbi Matzah: The Yom Kippur Book blends storytelling, visual richness, and gentle magic into an experience families can return to year after year. Both heartfelt and engaging, it offers children a meaningful and memorable introduction to one of Judaism's most sacred days.
Part of the Rabbi Matzah Holiday Series celebrating the Jewish year, this beautifully crafted volume is ideal for ages 6-10, synagogue gift shops, Jewish day schools, libraries, and families marking the High Holy Days.
Because sometimes the quietest day of the year carries the most powerful message: it is never too late to return, to repair, and to begin again.
Pell, Suzanne: - "Suzanne Pell builds children's books with intention, experience, and heart. With more than 40 years in print and graphic design - beginning with the opening of her first print shop in 1981 - she understands books from the inside out. As an author, illustrator, designer, and full-service publisher, she guides both her own projects and first-time authors from concept to completion, combining expressive storytelling with bold, page-popping design that helps books stand out in a crowded marketplace. The result is work that is not only beautiful, but strategically built, professionally produced, and made to last. You can reach her at sue@booksbysue.com."
