On Shavuos, Jews all over the world will be saying to their children, "Let's go to Shul." Let's Go To Shul is a wonderful book for the young child, for it introduces all the components of their "second home" - the community synagogue. The book jacket describes it all:

This warm and cozy book highlights the joy of going to Shul on Shabbos morning. Join a young brother and sister as they put on special clothes, Daven with their friends, kiss the Torah, and get yummy Shabbos treats. Every child will be eager to say, "Let's go to Shul!

The freedom to be able to go to a synagogue should not be taken for granted by anyone. It's important to convey to our children the privileges that we have -- freedom to speak, freedom to assemble, and freedom to worship. Children should be taught that these freedoms were not always given to the Jews of past generations.

These freedoms, based on Jewish ethics, are a tribute to America's Founding Fathers and their wisdom. You might say that the Bill of Rights is like America's Ten Commandments insuring that Jews can go to Shul.

To go beyond the book with Let's Go To Shul is to get in touch with the greatness of Torah and the preciousness of liberty. We find it "joyful" to go to Shul, because we are not afraid. We wear special clothes, because we are not deprived. We kiss and hear the words of Torah publicly, because it is not dangerous to do so, and we have treats, because we live in a time of plenty.

This year we celebrate Shabbos and Shavuos together, which empowers us all the more as we pray for "healthy and viable children, children who will not cease from nor neglect the words of Torah."

By Draizy Zelcer
Illustrated by Vitaliy Romanenko
Hachai Publishing
Grades K-3

As King Solomon wisely said, "There is a time for everything under the sun." We refer to time when we use the phrases: "This, too, shall pass," or "Time heals all." When we want to teach efficiency and responsibility, we don't hesitate to advise that, "A stitch in time saves nine," or "Time is of the essence."

Once Upon a Time is a child's version about the meaning and importance of time. This book can also be a guide for teaching children the skill of telling time on a traditional clock. The story focuses on the make-believe town called Meadowlark, where people use their time wisely. Through rhyme and delightful cartoon-like illustrations, we get a glimpse of all the charming characters, busy with their daily activities.

Once Upon a Time is a unique book ñ not only are the illustrations fun for children to see, but the association of time with individual activities gives structure to the day. A lot has changed since we were children -- we have time saving inventions and thus, more free time. Our challenge is: how do we use that time? This valuable children's book demonstrates that by using time to its fullest, our lives will serve the purpose for which we have been created -- being involved with study, work, good deeds and influencing others to do the same.

Most of our children have never heard the ticking of a clock or the meaning of the words, "half past the hour," or "a quarter to." For the most part, we have a generation of digital time-tellers. Once Upon a Time introduces the structure and significance of the round clock face. For the younger child, the rhymes and unique drawings will hold their interest. For the older reader, learning how to tell time the traditional way will be stimulating and enlightening.

To go beyond the book with Once Upon a Time is to take the time to reflect upon the day's activities with our children – to discuss what they heard, saw and did. This is a necessary tool to use in analyzing their actions. It is wise to heed our children and pay attention to what they tell us.

Time spent recounting the events of the day allows parents to counsel and guide their children. "Time flies," and our children grow up so quickly. We need to take advantage of golden opportunities to offer suggestions about what they could have done or said, as well as to praise them for their appropriate choices and behavior. It becomes a warm time to share and build trust in their relationship with us.

The author sums it up in the final verse:

"And now you know the secret,

Time was not just meant to tell.

It's a gift that's full of meaning

If you use each moment well."