Jewish Board Books for Young children
Jewish board books introduce young children to Jewish traditions, holidays, family celebrations and cultural values through engaging stories and colorful illustrations. These age-appropriate reads offer a wonderful way to share Jewish heritage with little ones from the very beginning.
You can find these Jewish board books at your local library or through the affiliate links provided for your convenience.
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Common First Jewish Words for Babies
Jewish for Grandmother
In Jewish culture, the term for grandmother is often Bubbe or “Bubby (Yiddish: בובי). This term is commonly used in Ashkenazi Jewish communities and is an affectionate and familiar way to refer to a grandmother.
Jewish for Grandpa
The term for grandpa is often Zayde (Yiddish: זײדע) or Saba (Hebrew: סבא). Zayde is commonly used in Ashkenazi Jewish communities, and “Saba” is used in Sephardic Jewish communities. Both terms are affectionate ways to refer to a grandfather and are widely recognized and used in Jewish families.
Jewish for Good
The word for good is tov (טוֹב) in Hebrew. This term is used in various contexts to convey goodness, well-being, or positive qualities. It’s a fundamental and positive word that appears frequently in Jewish prayers, blessings, and expressions.
Jewish for Thank You
The word for thank you is todah (תודה) in Hebrew. This term is commonly used to express gratitude and appreciation, and it is a polite way to expressing gratitude and thanks.
Jewish for God
The name for God is often represented by the Hebrew word Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), especially when speaking or reading sacred texts. This is done out of reverence, as using the actual name of God is considered highly sacred in Judaism. The actual four-letter name of God in Hebrew (known as the Tetragrammaton) is written as YHWH and is not typically pronounced. Instead, “Adonai” is used as a substitute to address or refer to God respectfully.
Jewish for Hello
As in many other cultures, the greeting for “hello” is often a simple and universal term. In Hebrew, you can use Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) as a greeting, which not only means hello but also carries the deeper meaning of peace and well-being.
Jewish for Mother
The term for mother is Ima (אמא). It’s a familiar and affectionate term, commonly used in everyday conversations within families.
Jewish for Father
In Hebrew, the term for father is Abba (אַבָּא). It is an affectionate and commonly used term in family settings.
Jewish Board Books
Looking for Jewish board books to share with your little one?
These books explore Jewish culture, traditions and holidays in simple, engaging ways that help toddlers and preschoolers connect with their heritage and enjoy meaningful storytime.
This irresistible board book gives little ones (ages 0–3) an alphabetical introduction to Judaism—the delicious foods, meaningful rituals, lively holidays, expressive language, and more.
Enjoy the songs in their original language and follow along with the printed lyrics in Hebrew, English, and phonetic transcription in this Jewish baby book.
From Einstein and the Marx Brothers to Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Barbra Streisand, this thoroughly engaging board book will give the youngest members of the tribe lots of reasons to be proud of their heritage.
This fun first taste of preschooler-friendly mitzvot is a very basic introduction to Jewish principles and to good behavior.
A Jewish child gets ready for bed and says the traditional "Sh'ma" prayer in this beautiful board book with rhyming text and charming illustrations by award-winning Melanie Hall.
Introduce your little one to the Jewish religion and its traditional songs with this beautifully illustrated children's song book. Kids can read the lyrics, match the icons on each page with the built-in sound button panel, and sing along with the music.
Good Night Israel teaches children about the Western Wall, the Israeli Museum, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, archeology, Masada, and holidays and traditions, such as making hamantaschen for Purim.
This whimsical, fun-filled board book helps you and your child explore the joys of doing good deeds and mitzvot together.
A family of alligators in Florida prepares for their Passover seder, setting the table, welcoming guests, performing the seder rituals and eating the festive meal.
Celebrate Hanukkah with adorable latkes, dreidels, gelt, jelly donuts and menorahs paired with sweet, rhyming text in this board book with cut-outs and raised elements.
It's Chanukah, and Baby wants to spin the dreidel--but where is it? Children can lift the flaps to find Chanukah symbols while they join Baby in this fun-filled, hide-and-seek adventure.
A rhyming introduction to Passover’s traditional food, with children eating and enjoying “lotsa matzah” many different ways during the holiday.
Told in simple rhyme, a family and their pet puppy eagerly prepare for Shabbat.
In My First Chanukah, Tomie dePaola's gentle text and understated artwork provide insight and background into the holiday for young readers.
On the first night of Chanukah Sadie performs a generous act, and in turn receives a magic pan that cooks up sizzling hot, golden latkes on command.
When she goes out one afternoon, her mischievous brothers can't resist using the pan. But what happens when the boys can’t make the pan stop cooking latkes?
What's a dreidel? Elmo wants to know! He finds out as he celebrates the first night of Hanukkah with a friend's family.