Day of Delight: A Jewish Sabbath in Ethiopia

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Author(s)

Maxine Rose Schur

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Brian Pinkney

Publisher Name

Kalaniot Books

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

April 21, 2026

ISBN13

9781962011006

Experience the beauty of Shabbat through the eyes of a young boy in a traditional Ethiopian Jewish village—an evocative tribute to family, faith, and a vanishing way of life.

Before the sun rises over the Ethiopian mountains, Senvetu and his family begin preparations for the most special time of the week: the Sabbath, their Day of Delight. From blacksmithing, to gathering honey, grinding grain, and baking fragrant bread, Senvetu’s world is full of purpose, tradition, and community. With poetic prose by Maxine Rose Schur and vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Honor-awarded artist Brian Pinkney, this heartfelt story depicts a culture, a ritual, and a legacy of a unique community.

Includes a glossary and a note by renowned scholar, Rabbi Dr. Sharon Zewde Shalom, on the Ethiopian Jewish community, known as Beta Israel.

Editor review

1 review

Jewish Tradition in Ethiopia

April 10, 2026 (Updated: June 03, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

“Day of Delight: A Jewish Sabbath in Ethiopia” by Maxine Rose Schur, illustrated by Brian Pinkney, shares the simple, yet sweet story of a family preparing for the day of rest by finishing lingering work, cleaning, preparing food, and bathing. The family is content with what they need to do, knowing that they are preparing for something special within their tradition.

The illustrations paint a vivid, beautiful picture of the life the characters lead, as they gather their needs, tend to their work, spend time together during their day of rest, and go to the mequrab (synagogue) to pray. The notes in the back of the book from the author and a rabbi share more about the Ethiopian Jewish experience, as well as a glossary that covers words that many may not know if unfamiliar with Jewish life in Ethiopia.

It is heartwarming to read a story that focuses on not only a Jewish experience, but one that is not always showcased. The world is in need of learning about different cultures, different people, and different traditions that stem from the same general concept of being Jewish. Any piece of writing that can shed additional light on the beauty of Jewish tradition should be highly valued.

Good Points

It is heartwarming to read a story that focuses on not only a Jewish experience, but one that is not always showcased. The world is in need of learning about different cultures, different people, and different traditions that stem from the same general concept of being Jewish. Any piece of writing that can shed additional light on the beauty of Jewish tradition should be highly valued.