Toby Belfer Never Had a Christmas Tree

Toby Belfer never had a Christmas tree. Hers
was the only Jewish family in the little country town where she lived with her
parents and grandmother. The Belfers celebrated Hanukka-they didn't celebrate
Christmas like the rest of the families in town. Toby invited all of her
friends to join in her family's Hanukkah celebration, just as she joined in
theirs by trimming their Christmas trees and singing Christmas carols.
With Toby and her family as their hosts, all of the children of the town
learned about Hanukka and about the unique and fascinating traditions and
customs that all Jewish families share. They learned about the menorah and the
special blessings to offer the Lord when lighting the menorah candles; they
learned how to play a traditional Jewish game by spinning a top called a
dreidel; and they learned the story of how the Jewish people gained religious
freedom. All of the children had a wonderful time learning and listening and
playing games and eating scrumptious food In the end, everyone was happy that
Toby Belfer never had a Christmas tree.
This delightful tale is an explanation of Hanukkah and how one family
celebrated the holiday in a small, non-Jewish, Southern town. For children 5-8,
the book includes the complete rules for the game of dreidel, and instructions
for building a menorah.
Gloria Teles Pushker was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She received a B.A.
from Loyola University in New Orleans, and later earned a master of education
degree with a concentration in children's literature from the University of New
Orleans. Also available on Audiocassette.