A Song For My Sister Explores Jewish Baby Naming
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A Song For My Sister Explores Jewish Baby Naming

Categories Life Cycle Events , Customs , Birth 
Book Title: A Song For My Sister

Author: Lesley Simpson

Illustrator: Tatjana Mai-Wyss


Book Summary:


WAAAAA!  When Mira's wish for a sister at long last comes true, she's thrilled—but the new baby isn't exactly what she expected. Who knew someone so little could make so much noise! No matter what Mira or her parents do to soothe or amuse her, the baby's reaction is . . . WAAAAA!

On the day of her simchat bat, her Jewish naming ceremony, the baby cries--as usual! That is, until Mira steps close to offer her own special gift and the inspiration for her parents' choice of the perfect name.

Lesley Simpson's tale of a family adjusting to a welcome change is sweet and sassy and very funny. It's a universal story about families and siblings, as well as a glimpse into a lovely Jewish ritual for welcoming baby girls to the family and the community.


Topic(s) Addressed:

This resource was created by the PJ Library at the PJ Library Educator s Center. Created for Family programs, this resource and its activities can be utilized, possibly with modifications, in a variety of children s learning environments.

Synopsis from the resource:

"A major goal of this program is to give families the opportunity to discuss and celebrate the uniqueness of their child’s name. Ways in which Jewish/Hebrew names are traditionally chosen and customs associated with Jewish birth and naming ceremonies will also be explored. Families will work together to create a “name book” for each child. Each name book will discuss the origins of the child’s name, ways in which the child was initially welcomed into the world, and a record of the child’s Hebrew name. For children who do not have an “official” Hebrew name, the program will serve as a joyous way for families to choose an appropriate name for their child."

Be Inspired:The ideas included are offered as starting points as you and your students explore, discover and live the lessons. Be sure to elicit and encourage student and parent participation, consistently reinforcing the value being addressed. Allow lessons to authentically develop and change based on engagement and interests.


Lesson Plan Components

For the educatorJewish Thought, Text, and Traditionsmore

Jewish every dayIncorporate Jewish Valuesmore

Materials and resourcesmore


Sharing The Storymore





Explore, Discover, and More Extension and Reinforcement Activitiesmore

Music Connectionsmore


HOME AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSmore


literature connectionsmore

TitleAuthorIllustratorBook Summary
Chrysanthemum Kevin HenkesKevin HenkesShe was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name, Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. Students made fun of her name and Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn’t improve. In fact, it got worse. But when the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle, things changed and Chrysanthemum blossomed.
The First Gift* A.S. GadotMarie LafranceA Jewish boy tells about the first gift he ever got—his name.
Sophie's Name Phyllis Grode Shelly O. HaasGRADE: K+
Sophie Davida Finkle-Cohen is unhappy with her name. It has too many letters for a short person, she concludes, and convinces her family to call her Sue. But as Sue begins to learn about each of her namesakes, the name begins to fit just right.
Justin's Hebrew Name Elle Gellman GRADES 1+
When Justin begins Hebrew school without a Hebrew name, his friends and the rabbi help him pick the perfect one.
* PJ library Books
Lesson Contributors

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