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There's No Such Thing as a Chanukah Bush, Sandy Goldstein

Susan Sussman (Goodreads Author)

4.29 · Rating details · 17 ratings · 3 reviews

Sussman's small narrator Robin relates a tender story about ecumenical fellowship, depicted attractively in Robinson's drawings. . . . With his wisdom and love, the grandfather widens the child's understanding, as Sussman does for the reader of her endearing story.--Publishers Weekly. ...more

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Paperback, 48 pages

Published September 1st 1993 by Albert Whitman & Company (first published September 1st 1983)

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Sep 26, 2016 Rachel rated it it was amazing

I vaguely remember reading this book as a child. It was first published in 1983 and when I pulled it off the library shelf I saw that it hadn't been checked out since 1995. I was expecting the story to be dated and no longer relevant but I was totally wrong!

"It isn't easy being Jewish at Christmas time," declares Robin. Her neighbor Sandy Goldstein, who is Jewish, has a Chanukah Bush and Robin doesn't understand why she can't have one too. Her mother explains that "what Sandy Goldstein has is a I vaguely remember reading this book as a child. It was first published in 1983 and when I pulled it off the library shelf I saw that it hadn't been checked out since 1995. I was expecting the story to be dated and no longer relevant but I was totally wrong!

"It isn't easy being Jewish at Christmas time," declares Robin. Her neighbor Sandy Goldstein, who is Jewish, has a Chanukah Bush and Robin doesn't understand why she can't have one too. Her mother explains that "what Sandy Goldstein has is a Christmas tree" and "there are many ways of being Jewish." Mom continues: "If Sandy Goldstein's parents feel they can live with a Christmas tree, then that is their business. But I will not have one in my home." But then Robin's grandfather invites her to attend his company Christmas party with him and Robin doesn't understand how they can attend if they don't believe in Christmas. Grandpa wisely explains: "There is a difference between celebrating something because you believe in it, and helping friends celebrate something because they believe in it." Robin has a wonderful time at the Christmas party - dancing and singing Christmas carols, decorating the tree, and even sitting on Santa's lap. She then invites her new friend Heather to celebrate Chanukah with her family. At the end of the story, Robin decides that "it wasn't so tough to be Jewish at Christmas if you had friends who shared with you. And maybe Sandy Goldstein didn't . . . which was why she needed a Chanukah bush."

This might have been the first book published to address Christmas envy (please correct me if I'm wrong!) and I think it will still resonate with readers today. I love the message that it sends to both Jewish and non-Jewish readers about honoring and celebrating each other's traditions while remaining true to your own. It looks like it's out of print but it is available as an e-Book and used copies are plentiful from online booksellers. And, I will definitely check out the DVD which supposedly won an Emmy. ...more

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Dec 07, 2012 Alyse Liebovich rated it really liked it

Shelves: children-s-books

"That afternoon we practiced Christmas carols. I just mouthed the words. I didn't know if Jews were supposed to sing the words "little Lord Jesus" and "'ron yon Virgin." I did sing "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas." They seemed safe." I feel like Sussman translated my kid thoughts about celebrating Hanukkah when it seemed like all the focus was on Christmas into a children's book. Also, I love the title of this book. ...more

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Dec 22, 2013 Allison rated it it was amazing

I love this book. My children are not old enough to read it, but as soon as they are--and the inevitable "Christmas envy" sets in--this is the book I will read to them. Robin gives voice to a lot of the thoughts Jewish kids have at this time of year, which is important and unusual, because we're often taught to just push down that jealousy and pretend it doesn't exist. And Grandpa! He is such a wonderful character. I had a Grandpa who was a lot like him.

In the end, the book has a wonderful mess ...more

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