Midnight Mitzvah

Midnight Mitzvah


Hanina Chipmunk knows it's a mitzvah to help others but how can she help a hungry friend without causing embarrassment? In this retelling of a 2,000-year-old story from the Talmud (Jewish book of law), Hanina Chipmunk knows it's a mitzvah to help others . . . but how can she give food to a hungry friend without making her friend feel embarrassed? She tries to do her good deed in secret, under the cover of darkness. But Hanina will need her wits and bravery to complete her mitzvah. Endnotes unpack the original tale and the Jewish value of helping those in need (tzedakah). AGES: 3 to 7 AUTHOR: Ruth Horowitz is the award-winning author of children's books about bats, giant cockroaches, horseshoe crabs, family, friends, and community. She has also worked as a school librarian and a newspaper editor. Ruth lives in Rhode Island, USA, with her husband. Jenny Meilihove, an Israeli children's book writer and illustrator, paints dreamy scenes with gouache, pencils, and crayons. Her work delves into magical moments, evoking warm feelings and exploring beautiful themes. Passionate about crafting children's books, Jenny finds joy in the naive and vibrant world they create, where anything is possible. SELLING POINTS: . JEWISH REPRESENTATION: A beautiful story about a core Jewish value tzedakah, which means justice based on a tale from the Talmud. . SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING: This story delivers a sweet message about generosity, empathy, and the power of anonymous charity, not done for show or credit but for the sake of the good deed itself. . EDUCATIONAL ENDNOTES: Notes at the end include more information about the original tale in the Talmud, tzedakah, and similar traditions (giving anonymous charity) in Islam and Christianity.