The Christmas Mitzvah

Colourful and lively pictures make this feel-good holiday book about kindness and understanding a suitable book for primary students. It is based on the true story of a Jewish man who performed good deeds (mitzvahs) for others on their special holidays and was rewarded by his community with a special gesture. In the classroom, the book lends itself well as a resource in a unit about festivals and holidays around the world. Students can reflect on and discuss how various families and communities celebrate different holidays and may be encouraged to share personal experiences. Teachers may also use this story to invite discussions about communities, jobs, and the qualities of a changemaker—which may inspire research about other changemakers in the world.