The Midnight Mitzvah

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Author(s)

Ruth Horowitz

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Jenny Meilihove

Publisher Name

Barefoot Books

Genre(s)

Children's Jewish Fiction

Age Range

Release Date

October 01, 2024

ISBN13

978-8888592342

"A wise, thought-provoking tale about the true meaning of charity."- Kirkus Reviews

"I know it's a mitzvah to help others," Hanina said. "And it's also a mitzvah to make sure you don't embarrass someone."

Hanina Chipmunk's favorite thing to do is gather nuts and share them with her hungry friends. But not everyone is thankful for her good deed. When Hanina realizes Mathilda Squirrel is embarrassed to admit she needs help, she hatches a plan to deliver nuts in secret under the midnight hour. As a daytime animal venturing out at night, Hanina will need all the wits and bravery she has to complete her mitzvah.

Based on the retelling of a 2,000-year-old story from the Talmud (Jewish book of law)
Educational endnotes include more information about the original tale in the Talmud, the Jewish value of tzedakah (helping those in need) and other similar traditions across different religtions.
Teaches kids about generosity, empathy and the power of anonymous charity

Editor review

1 review

Kindness Matters

October 25, 2024

Overall rating

4.0

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

“The Midnight Mitzvah” by Ruth Horowitz, art by Jenny Meilihove, shares the story of Hanina Chipmunk. She loves giving gifts and helping others. Doing mitzvahs, otherwise known as commandments in Judaism, or good deeds, gives her a positive feeling. It is disappointing to her when Mathilda Squirrel doesn’t want Hanina’s help. She says that gathering nuts isn’t something Hanina can help with, and that she’s been doing it for far longer than Hanina has even been alive.

Hanina decides to try to help Mathilda anyway, since Mathilda has grown older and unable to gather like she used to when she was younger. So, in order to not embarrass Mathilda, Hanina brings her nuts at nighttime, when it is dark outside and she won’t be seen. While dealing with the forest at night, something Hanina hasn’t done before, she discovers that it isn’t necessarily as easy as she thought to perform her mitzvah. Yet, she finds her way, and sweetens Mathilda’s day in doing so.

The story, based on a tale from the Talmud, a sacred Jewish text, explores the themes of performing mitzvot, giving tzedakah (charity), and avoiding embarrassment. It is a story about kindness and providing help when needed.

Good Points

The story, based on a tale from the Talmud, a sacred Jewish text, explores the themes of performing mitzvot, giving tzedakah (charity), and avoiding embarrassment. It is a story about kindness and providing help when needed.