Saliman and the Memory Stone

Inspired by a true story, Saliman and the Memory Stone introduces young readers in grades K-2 to the 1881 migration of Yemeni Jews to the land of Israel through the story of a young boy who struggles to understand why his family must leave their home.

As Saliman’s family prepares to travel from Yemen to Jerusalem, they are forced to leave behind most of their belongings. His parents explain that while possessions can’t always be carried, memories can remain in his heart – memories of his beloved goats, the scents of his favorite foods, cherished traditions, and his close-knit community.

To keep Yemen close and remember where he came from, Saliman takes a small memory stone from his home, keeping it in his pocket on the long and difficult journey.

The story offers students historical context about Jewish migration and displacement while exploring themes of memory, resilience, and the idea that people carry their homes and communities with them wherever they go.