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Rivka's First Thanksgiving
More than anything, Rivka wants to celebrate Thanksgiving. She has learned all about the holiday in school and knows her family has a lot to be thankful for in America. But Rivka's parents are Jewish immigrants from Poland, and they wonder what Pilgrims and Indians have to do with them. Is Thanksgiving really a holiday for Jews?Rivka's grandmother, Bubbeh, decides to take over: She will bring Rivka to see the Rabbi Yoshe Preminger -- and whatever the Rabbi concludes, Rivka will have to live with. Rivka knows that Thanksgiving is a holiday for all Americans, from all backgrounds and religions. But how can she convince the esteemed Rabbi Preminger?
Elsa Okon Rael and Maryann Kovalski bring the bustling Lower East Side to life in this heartwarming story. Set in the 1910s, "Rivka's First Thanksgiving" is about respecting old traditions while embracing new ones, about giving thanks and celebrating freedom in America. Perhaps most important, Rivka's story teaches us that even the wisest adults have something to learn from children.
Elsa Okon Rael and Maryann Kovalski bring the bustling Lower East Side to life in this heartwarming story. Set in the 1910s, "Rivka's First Thanksgiving" is about respecting old traditions while embracing new ones, about giving thanks and celebrating freedom in America. Perhaps most important, Rivka's story teaches us that even the wisest adults have something to learn from children.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 2, 2018
When Rivka, a little Jewish girl living in New York City's Lower East Side in the early twentieth century, learns about Thanksgiving at school, she longs for her own family to join the celebration. Much like the Pilgrims in the story she has been taught, her people came to America for religious freedom and for safety. Having found those things, she reasons, they too should be thankful. Her Bubbe takes the issue to the Rabbi Yoshe Preminger, who declares that Jews do not celebrate Thanksgiving. Rivka knows the rabbi is wrong, but what can one little girl do in the face of such authority...?
In Rivka's First Thanksgiving, author Elsa Okon Rael answers that question by demonstrating how sometimes a child, by questioning and even criticizing her elders, by questioning and criticizing religious authority, can be the one to effect change, leading her community in the right direction. The story reminded me a bit of Barbara Cohen's Molly's Pilgrim , which also features a young Jewish girl finding meaning through the Thanksgiving story, although here the conflict is internal to the Jewish community, whereas there the conflict is external. The text here is quite long for a picture-book, and discusses the history of Rivka's family and community in Poland, where they experienced persecution and violence. For these reasons, this isn't a book I would recommend to very young children, although older picture-book audiences (six and up, I would say) will probably be the right target group. There is a glossary at the rear, explaining the meanings of some of the names and words used in the story, from Rivka (a variant of Rebecca, meaning "Bound") to Bubbe (grandmother). The artwork by Maryann Kovalski is cute, although sometimes I found her human faces a little too cartoonish, in odd ways. Leaving that last aside, all in all this is an engaging Thanksgiving story, one which illuminates the fact that the Thanksgiving story, whatever one thinks of it, has given comfort and meaning to a diverse range of Americans.
In Rivka's First Thanksgiving, author Elsa Okon Rael answers that question by demonstrating how sometimes a child, by questioning and even criticizing her elders, by questioning and criticizing religious authority, can be the one to effect change, leading her community in the right direction. The story reminded me a bit of Barbara Cohen's Molly's Pilgrim , which also features a young Jewish girl finding meaning through the Thanksgiving story, although here the conflict is internal to the Jewish community, whereas there the conflict is external. The text here is quite long for a picture-book, and discusses the history of Rivka's family and community in Poland, where they experienced persecution and violence. For these reasons, this isn't a book I would recommend to very young children, although older picture-book audiences (six and up, I would say) will probably be the right target group. There is a glossary at the rear, explaining the meanings of some of the names and words used in the story, from Rivka (a variant of Rebecca, meaning "Bound") to Bubbe (grandmother). The artwork by Maryann Kovalski is cute, although sometimes I found her human faces a little too cartoonish, in odd ways. Leaving that last aside, all in all this is an engaging Thanksgiving story, one which illuminates the fact that the Thanksgiving story, whatever one thinks of it, has given comfort and meaning to a diverse range of Americans.
February 16, 2009
This fictional story is the retelling of the author’s introduction to the American holiday of Thanksgiving. As Polish immigrants in the 1910’s, nine year old Rivka and her family have never heard of the holiday. Diverse cultures from around the world immigrate to America. This is the story of how one little girl learned about Thanksgiving in public school and taught her family that it is a celebration for all Americans.
What she learns in school and shares with her family is that it is a big, happy holiday to celebrate the friendship between Indians and Pilgrims. Rivka’s family is hesitant to participate in a gentile holiday. The Rabbi declines Rivka’s plea to celebrate Thanksgiving. She writes a letter to convince the Rabbi to change his mind, pointing out that the pilgrimage flight to America was similar to the Jewish escape from “…mean, wicked people who wanted to hurt them and their families.” The Pilgrims were thankful for their escape and new start and they should be too. It is a holiday in which all Americans can share.
Reader’s attention is captured by the author’s personal note. Recently immigrated to the United States, the author shares her introduction to the Thanksgiving holiday through this fictionalized story. The story progresses naturally through the third person perspective. Dialogue effectively provides character attributes, motivation and assists with story development. The well developed characters allow the reader to empathize with the characters situation and understand their reactions.
The visual elements also contribute to the authenticity of the story. The reader can easily connect to the character’s journey with the assistance of the colorful illustrations accurately depicting life on the lower east side of New York in 1920’s. The illustrations engage the reader by evoking personal attachment to the characters from beginning to end culminating in their first Thanksgiving celebration.
What she learns in school and shares with her family is that it is a big, happy holiday to celebrate the friendship between Indians and Pilgrims. Rivka’s family is hesitant to participate in a gentile holiday. The Rabbi declines Rivka’s plea to celebrate Thanksgiving. She writes a letter to convince the Rabbi to change his mind, pointing out that the pilgrimage flight to America was similar to the Jewish escape from “…mean, wicked people who wanted to hurt them and their families.” The Pilgrims were thankful for their escape and new start and they should be too. It is a holiday in which all Americans can share.
Reader’s attention is captured by the author’s personal note. Recently immigrated to the United States, the author shares her introduction to the Thanksgiving holiday through this fictionalized story. The story progresses naturally through the third person perspective. Dialogue effectively provides character attributes, motivation and assists with story development. The well developed characters allow the reader to empathize with the characters situation and understand their reactions.
The visual elements also contribute to the authenticity of the story. The reader can easily connect to the character’s journey with the assistance of the colorful illustrations accurately depicting life on the lower east side of New York in 1920’s. The illustrations engage the reader by evoking personal attachment to the characters from beginning to end culminating in their first Thanksgiving celebration.
November 11, 2018
A short but important book for kids, but also important for adults to remember too. River is a nine year old immigrant Jewish child, escaped from pogrammes in her old country. She wonders, can a Jew celebrate thanksgiving? She clearly lays out the argument to a coven of rabbis, that the Jews are like the Pilgrims. Came here for safety and to start a new life in the new world. We too know the importance of being thankful to God, and what it means to be an immigrant in a new world. She helps her entire community feel welcome and give thanks. And that's what this whole thing is about. Integration and feeling one with our country, rather than just separation and isolation. A great book to remember in these times and in any times.
September 19, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Tells the story of a young Jewish girl who is thankful to have moved to the United States and would like to celebrate Thanksgiving. She goes through some hurdles, as Thanksgiving is not celebrated in her religion. I think this is a great book for children to understand that not everyone celebrates U.S. holidays. I would consider this book to be classified under the genre of realistic fiction. As a teacher I would recommend this book for grades 1-5. The topic is important and the picture book will make it easier for students to understand.
November 1, 2023
Oops it's my brand. A little girl is brave and doesn't back down when she's told Thanksgiving isn't a holiday for her.
"I'm sorry I wrote you that rude letter, Rabbi."
"It sometimes takes a little rudeness to accomplish what we attempt."
"I'm sorry I wrote you that rude letter, Rabbi."
"It sometimes takes a little rudeness to accomplish what we attempt."
June 19, 2023
Every day can be a holiday for Jews. Every day can be a holiday for each of us, if only we'll "Let Today Be a Holiday."
Rivka's letter is the center of this book, to this Goodreader at least. Her words are so full of truth, and also so brave.
Also, I love Rivka's description, telling the Rabbis about her understanding of the meaning of Thanksgiving; its meaning for immigrants like her Jewish family:
So here we are now, safe in America. God first brought the Pilgrims and then He brought us, the Jews. The Pilgrims were the first to give thanks to Him, but I believe we also owe Him a Thanksgiving. As much as anybody, we owe him Thanks.
And what a lovely ending awaits you, Goodreaders. Although no spoiler from me, no no!
I'll just close this review with my thanks to author Elsa Okon Rael, and illustrator Maryann Kovalski. My thanks giftwrapped with FIVE STARS.
Rivka's letter is the center of this book, to this Goodreader at least. Her words are so full of truth, and also so brave.
Also, I love Rivka's description, telling the Rabbis about her understanding of the meaning of Thanksgiving; its meaning for immigrants like her Jewish family:
So here we are now, safe in America. God first brought the Pilgrims and then He brought us, the Jews. The Pilgrims were the first to give thanks to Him, but I believe we also owe Him a Thanksgiving. As much as anybody, we owe him Thanks.
And what a lovely ending awaits you, Goodreaders. Although no spoiler from me, no no!
I'll just close this review with my thanks to author Elsa Okon Rael, and illustrator Maryann Kovalski. My thanks giftwrapped with FIVE STARS.
November 17, 2023
This book tells the story of a young girl in the early 1900's who learns about Thanksgiving at school. although she was born in America, her parents are Polish immigrants and have never heard of the holiday. Rivka tells everyone that Thanksgiving is for all Americans, but her elders don't agree. Rivkah rises to the challenge to try and change their minds.
Similar to the classic "Molly's Pilgrim" by Barbara Cohen, this story explores the concept that immigrants of many nations have come to America to escape persecution. Although it is a picture book, the topic and the amount of text is aimed at older children. I would recommend this book for children 6-10 years old.
Similar to the classic "Molly's Pilgrim" by Barbara Cohen, this story explores the concept that immigrants of many nations have come to America to escape persecution. Although it is a picture book, the topic and the amount of text is aimed at older children. I would recommend this book for children 6-10 years old.
December 6, 2017
Wow, what a pleasant surprise of a library book! It's the story of a little Jewish girl coming home from school to share the purpose of Thanksgiving. Winsomely bringing out both the religious and historical importance of this holiday, Rael doesn't disappoint with characters and plotting. Very enjoyable!
April 4, 2018
I chose this book due to it being a cute little story, picture book on a little girls first thanksgiving. After reading this book, which was very lengthy and had a lot of confusing words that kids wouldn't understand it had a cute message behind it. Also had great illustrations, just wish it wouldn't have been so lengthy and less confusing words.
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December 14, 2021A story introducing various cultures and the difference of the holidays celebrated
-child comes home fro, public school with new knowledge, ideas and celebrations
-Family works hard to determine what this holiday is and if they should celebrate it
-child comes home fro, public school with new knowledge, ideas and celebrations
-Family works hard to determine what this holiday is and if they should celebrate it
October 29, 2020
Jewish Thanksgiving. LOTS of vocabulary and Jewish names.
August 2, 2010
Ages: 8 - 10
"Rivka's First Thanksgiving" by Elsa Okon Rael tells the story a a young daughter of Jewish immigrants who learns about Thanksgiving in school and tries to convince her family to celebrate. In order for that to happen, they must consult with their rabbi. Eventually, Rivka prevails.
The basic message of this story, that different cultures can find common ground, is a good one. However, Thanksgiving remains a controversial holiday because, to many, it seems like an attempt to re-write history and gloss over the European genocide of the indigenous people of the Americas. This book does not address that issue, and it should not necessarily be expected to, but it contains some stereotypical depictions of Native Americans and uses the word "Indian," which is often not the preferred term among indigenous Americans.
The book seems to authentically represent the Jewish experience in America. The book contains many Yiddish and Hebrew words as well as references to Jewish cultural practices. The ending of the book shows that, although people should maintain their cultural traditions, there is room for adaptation and incorporation of new ideas from other cultures.
The pictures in the book are average. They do not add to or detract from the story.
Unfortunately, I would probably avoid this book because of the simplistic discussion of Thanksgiving and the depiction of Native Americans.
"Rivka's First Thanksgiving" by Elsa Okon Rael tells the story a a young daughter of Jewish immigrants who learns about Thanksgiving in school and tries to convince her family to celebrate. In order for that to happen, they must consult with their rabbi. Eventually, Rivka prevails.
The basic message of this story, that different cultures can find common ground, is a good one. However, Thanksgiving remains a controversial holiday because, to many, it seems like an attempt to re-write history and gloss over the European genocide of the indigenous people of the Americas. This book does not address that issue, and it should not necessarily be expected to, but it contains some stereotypical depictions of Native Americans and uses the word "Indian," which is often not the preferred term among indigenous Americans.
The book seems to authentically represent the Jewish experience in America. The book contains many Yiddish and Hebrew words as well as references to Jewish cultural practices. The ending of the book shows that, although people should maintain their cultural traditions, there is room for adaptation and incorporation of new ideas from other cultures.
The pictures in the book are average. They do not add to or detract from the story.
Unfortunately, I would probably avoid this book because of the simplistic discussion of Thanksgiving and the depiction of Native Americans.
October 31, 2014
This is a story of a Jewish girls discovery of Thanksgiving. Set in the 1910s this story shows a brave girl’s power to be able to show the Rabbi’s that Thanksgiving is a holiday for everyone and that Jews should celebrate it too. The story represents fear in the young girl when she goes before the Rabbi. Also, it shows her great understanding of the holiday and how she connects it to her family’s belief system.
This book portrays a young girl finding ways to incorporate the new culture in which she participates into her home Jewish culture. Through determination Rivka convinces the Rabbi to celebrate a new American Holiday. The author Elsa Rael is retelling her story of her first Thanksgiving that she celebrated with her family. This gives the reader a unique insight to the reality of someone having to fight to be able to celebrate a holiday that many take for granted.
Genre: Religion, Fiction, Holiday
This book portrays a young girl finding ways to incorporate the new culture in which she participates into her home Jewish culture. Through determination Rivka convinces the Rabbi to celebrate a new American Holiday. The author Elsa Rael is retelling her story of her first Thanksgiving that she celebrated with her family. This gives the reader a unique insight to the reality of someone having to fight to be able to celebrate a holiday that many take for granted.
Genre: Religion, Fiction, Holiday
November 20, 2015
The religious aspect of this did not resonate with me and I'm not fond of the "original" story of Thanksgiving, but the rest of it really sparked some emotion and everyone could use a bit of the contemporary Thanksgiving spirit. This is a powerful book to be reading so close to Thanksgiving with so much going on in the world. Perhaps Rivka says it best:
"In parts of Europe, terrible things happen to Jews every day--riots and pogroms. My father told me of the horrible things that are happening there right now. But here we are safe. I wish all Jews in Europe could come here, don't you, Rabbi?"
"Immigrants came to America to escape from mean, wicked people who hurt them and their families. That is why the Pilgrims came and that is why the Jewish people came later."
As a Jew and as an American, I am thankful for the safety and comfort of myself and my loved ones. I wish the same for every person fleeing violence and seeking refuge in the United States.
"In parts of Europe, terrible things happen to Jews every day--riots and pogroms. My father told me of the horrible things that are happening there right now. But here we are safe. I wish all Jews in Europe could come here, don't you, Rabbi?"
"Immigrants came to America to escape from mean, wicked people who hurt them and their families. That is why the Pilgrims came and that is why the Jewish people came later."
As a Jew and as an American, I am thankful for the safety and comfort of myself and my loved ones. I wish the same for every person fleeing violence and seeking refuge in the United States.
November 15, 2010
This is a wonderful tale of an immigrant community truly embracing the meaning of Thanksgiving, through the context of their own experiences and beliefs. It's a sweet story and an inspiring one, where a little girl stands up and defends her position on the holiday. Our girls really enjoyed this story, and while the story is sweet, it led to a discussion of some of the bad things that have happened to the Jewish people throughout history and why, perhaps, this holiday could mean so very much to those in the story.
November 14, 2016
The story of a young girl trying to convince her family of Jewish immigrants from Poland that they should celebrate Thanksgiving, now that they are Americans. The illustrations of tenement life help to establish the setting and tone of the book. The pictures are realistic, but not squalid. The hues are muted, but not bleak.
Due to the amount of text, the inclusion of foreign words, and some of the concepts (i.e. the pogroms), this picture book is appropriate for upper elementary school students. In the back of the book, there is a glossary of the Yiddish words that appear within the text.
Due to the amount of text, the inclusion of foreign words, and some of the concepts (i.e. the pogroms), this picture book is appropriate for upper elementary school students. In the back of the book, there is a glossary of the Yiddish words that appear within the text.
January 10, 2014
A young immigrant Jewish girl learns about the Thanksgiving holiday at school and is determined to convince the Rabbi and her family that her immigrant community in America should celebrate Thanksgiving too. A wonderful look at determination, persistence, cultural exchange and the holidays that can bring us all together.
April 11, 2009
Lovely story of multicultural pride, perfect as a read-aloud. The elders of Rivka's Jewish community do not support American Thanksgiving because they think it is not a holiday for them, but brave Rivka convinces them otherwise.
January 20, 2015
Rivka learns about Thanksgiving in school and wants to celebrate, but her family doesn't thing Thanksgiving is a holiday for Jews. Rivka is determined to prove that Thanksgiving is a time for every American.
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December 17, 2007Hear an interview with illustrator Maryann Kovalski on The Book of Life podcast's Thanksgiving Shout-Out Special, November 2007, at www.bookoflifepodcast.com!
June 24, 2010
Models strength in conviction and never giving up. Shows that sometimes adults aren't right, and that traditions can be created as well as followed.
November 1, 2011
Another book I read to my classes each year!
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January 28, 2019This book would be a great discussion starter to be used when the holidays roll around. As a teacher, we can't assume students should adopt our own personal season celebrations. Instead, we should offer up knowledge on all of the holidays. This will help build a welcoming environment for all the students to share their personal family tradition. This book talks about how a little girl who is Jewish learns about Thanksgiving. Meaning that this book could be used to not only talk about the American Thanksgiving (and potentially how it has changed over time) but also talk about Jewish holidays.
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