Topics

  • Judaism and Jewish Holidays
  • Jewish Identity

Summary

A tale about the power of community, cooperation, and cultural identity, The Very Best Sukkah: A Story from Uganda is well suited for students in grade K-2 and 3-5. It follows young Shoshi and her brothers as they prepare for their village’s annual sukkah-building contest.

Set in the Jewish community of Abayudaya in Uganda, the story unfolds during the harvest festival of Sukkot, as families work to build the most beautiful sukkah (customary hut). Shoshi’s competitive spirit fuels her determination to win, but when a storm destroys a neighbor’s sukkah, the true meaning of the holiday comes into focus. The villagers come together to rebuild, showing that unity and mutual support matter far more than any prize.

Students in grades K-5 come away with more than a holiday tale – they gain an understanding of Sukkot’s core values of community, kindness and caring for one another.

Richly illustrated, the picture book also includes endnotes with a historical overview of the Abayudaya community and a helpful glossary of terms.