Even Higher! A Rosh Hashanah Story

by Eric A. Kimmel, Jill Weber (Illustrator), I.L. Peretz (Original Author)

Award-winning author Eric A. Kimmel's whimsical retelling of this Rosh Hashanah tale, paired with Jill Weber's charming illustrations, will take readers to a higher place.

Every year, just before Rosh Hashanah, the rabbi of Nemirov disappears. The villagers are certain their rabbi flies up to heaven to speak with God. Where else would such a great and holy man go just before the fate of every soul is decided for the coming year? But a skeptical Litvak scoffs at the villagers, claiming miracles cannot happen. He vows to discover the rabbi's secret, but what he witnesses--an enormous act of human compassion--will make any doubter believe.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Religion, Holiday, Childrens, Fiction, Folklore

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Eric A. Kimmel is an American author of more than 150 children's books. His works include Caldecott Honor Book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman), Sydney Taylor Book Award winners The Chanukkah Guest and Gershon's Monster, and Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale.
Kimmel was born in Brooklyn, New York and earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lafayette College in 1967, a master's degree from New York University, and a PhD in Education from the University of Illinois in 1973. He taught at Indiana University at South Bend, and at Portland State University, where he is Professor Emeritus of Education.
Kimmel lives with his wife, Doris, in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prolific storyteller and children's author Eric A. Kimmel adapts a famous Rosh Hashanah folktale from Yiddish-language author I.L. Peretz in this engaging picture-book. When a skeptical Litvak (Lithuanian) stranger settles in the city of Nemirov, he doubts the people's stories about their holy rabbi, said to ascend to heaven every year, in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah, in order to plead for his people. Deciding to debunk this belief, the Litvak follows the rabbi during this period, and discovers that he is indeed holy, if not perhaps in the way his people think...

This story has been adapted for children at least three times, that I am aware of. First by Barbara Cohen, in her 1987 picture-book, Even Higher ; then in 2007 by Richard Ungar, in his own Even Higher ; and finally here, in 2009, by Eric A. Kimmel. I have read the Cohen, which I enjoyed, and am glad to have run across this second telling (I have not yet managed to track down the Ungar). Kimmel's adaptation is engaging and humorous, and Jill Weber's accompanying illustrations are colorful and cute. Recommended to anyone looking for a children's adaptation of the Peretz, or for children's stories set at Rosh Hashanah.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review
Homey and accessible, Kimmel’s retelling of I.L. Peretz’s classic parable, “If Not Higher,” will appeal to both Jews and non-Jews looking for a story that conveys the impact of good deeds. Written for Rosh Hashanah, the story focuses on the miracle of Rabbi Nemirov: asking, does he ascend to heaven in the weeks before the holiday. Kimmel’s text and Weber’s illustrations bring a lighthearted sense of fun to religious debate, making this version of the tale perfect for children 4-8. While a doubter hides under a bed, hoping to get to the bottom of the mystery, a goat eats the curtains and cats sprawl on top of a deeply sleeping rabbi. The author’s note explains the origin of the tale, and it’s core message: “[t]he miracle is that there are no miracles.” We don’t need them: kindness and compassion can take their place. Despite the simplicity of the story, it portrays a nuanced understanding of the function of doubt. While the sceptic is unflatteringly portrayed, it is precisely his doubt and curiosity that ultimately reinforce religious belief, enabling him to have the fullest appreciation of the virtue of the Rabbi of Nemirov.
Illustrations
Colorful, childlike illustrations rendered in gouache, gesso, watercolor, ink, colored pencils and wax crayons are filled with animals, cozy houses and humorous caricatures. The light-hearted style and crayon box colors match the child friendly tone of the story.
Source Note
A model source note at the end of the book credits I. L. Peretz with authorship and distills the story’s message. Kimmel explains his adaptations, all of which work to advance the core message. His addition of a rousing Ukrainian drinking song turned religious, that proclaims life is worth living, adds raucous appeal. The lyrics and accompanying action reinforce the message that good deeds, and the miracles they accomplish, bring joy to both giver and receiver.

[David]

An excellent and accessible adaptation of a Yiddish Folktale about a skeptic learning that holiness comes from acts of generosity. My toddler was engaged by the cute illustrations and enjoyed watching the Litvak follow the Rabbi around to discover if he really talks to G-d. This book was awesome for me because I am a skeptic and the story has a clever openness - showing how serving the poor could be considered the holiest way to speak to G-d or it can demonstrate serving the poor is just the most righteous thing to do with nothing more miraculous than that. In addition when reading this book to my toddler on the train someone we did not know wanted to know what story it was so that was my indication it has wide appeal.

[Jessica]

I wish I had better insights into Jewish teaching to understand the lesson(s) taught with this story. I have questions! Thankfully, I can learn more at pjlibrary.org/evenhigher.

What I very much appreciate about PJ Library books (those I’ve seen) the inside book covers provide insights and hands on activities that accompany and correlate with the theme of the book. This book’s hands in activity encourages young readers to visit a senior center and includes suggestions on what kids can do while there. What a beautiful way to help parents and kids take what they’ve learned and put it into practice. There are even suggested questions for parents to discuss with their kids!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming take on “If Not Higher” with a town’s rabbi disappearance at every Rosh Hashanah preemption. Where does he go? Why, to Heaven, to plead forgiveness for his village’s faults.

But not everyone believes that, well, certainly not the Litvak who happens into town. Set on proving the village all wrong, he follows the rabbi as he begins his disappearance. What a trek he makes!

A kind take on compassion, it’s a sweet read for the youngsters. A lesson in giving, caring, and looking out for those in need.

[Danielle T · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of two picture books I picked up at the Friends of the Library Sale to send to a Jewish friend collecting picture books (so of course, have to read them before mailing them off). As a gentile, I am not familiar with Rosh Hashanah, but this was a heartwarming little tale on how sometimes miracles really are just kindness towards those in need.

[Taylor Kundel-Gower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great message.

[Aneesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was hard to explain to Everly.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story, especially the message. But I don't think the language used in the book is kid friendly. I'm not sure kids would even really understand the ending.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. Miracles are just people doing good deeds.

[Rebekah Guiliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so funny and I think they were all so silly. I think the story was one of the best books that I've ever read. I liked how the Litvak followed the Rabbi. -Viv, 7 years old.

[Amy Bodkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story because it made the point obvious, and it was very accessible to those who are not Jewish, vocabulary-wise.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Popular folklorist and children's author Eric Kimmel has provided a delightful retelling of Yiddish author I.L. Peretz’s classic parable, “If Not Higher”. Just before Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year, the rabbi always disappears for a few days. The villagers believe that in a miracle he arises to heaven to plea for everyone's wellbeing. The sceptic in the town decides to follow the rabbi and see where he is really going. he discovers that the rabbi is disguising himsef as a pesant and helping out a penniless old woman. This story, perfect for Rosh Hashanah, stresses the importance of good deeds and taking care of each other. As the author says in the afterward, " The miracle is that there are no miracles."

Eric Kimmel's writing is always charming. Jill Weber's watercolor illustrations are delightful. she includes lots of detail of the viliage life. If children look closely, they can spy a very hungry goat on eah page making mischeif.

We received this book when my children were little and would read it each year. I recommend this book for any Jewish child age 4 on up. The book does not delve into religion and is also appropriate for other children if the parent wants to discuss the importance of charitable action.

[Naomi Kenorak · Rating 5 out of 5]

a thin little hardbound children's book with a story that brought tears to my eyes. The rabbi of Nemirov always disappears every year in the days before Rosh Hashanah and the villagers are convinced that he has gone to heaven to plead with God to forgive all of them. A Litvak, a man from Lithuania who was very pious but didn't believe in miracles, comes to Nemirov and dismisses all this talk of the rabbi going to heaven. In fact, he decides to spy on the rabbi and follow him to discover his secret. Very early the next morning, the rabbi gets up, dresses like a peasant, and goes out to the forest where he chops wood. Then he takes the wood to a horrid, rundown slum, where he banters in rough language with an old sick woman. Before the Litvak's astonished eyes, the rabbi, never revealing who is really is, makes a fire, sings a drinking song, and brings joy to the old woman's miserable life. The Litvak returns to the village and never again scoffs at miracles. As the Author's Note at the end says "The miracle is that there are no miracles. We don't need them. Ordinary kindness and compassion are enough to save the world."

[Marya · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great little fable! Eric Kimmel lovingly updates this Yiddish story, and his English hits all the right emotional beats. But just in case you needed a little more explanation, flip to the last page to find "the moral of the story" spelled out for you. The illustrator has added to the fun by creating a sprightly orally fixated goat for youngsters to follow as the characters follow each other through the story. Really, what else do you need?

[Elizabeth Bartos]

This story written by I. L. Peretz tells a lovely tale of the Jewish culture and faith. A lesson about sacrifice and service to show love for the human race. Children and adults can, not only learn a lesson from this story, but also about Judaism. The author and illustrator have woven together an enjoyable folk tale for all to read and discover. I would recommend this book for teachers to read when studying other cultures or world religions.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really cute book for the Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah. I am not Jewish, but I read this book for some of the children in one of my Kindergarten class. They loved the illustrations and the funny things that the Rabbi does throughout the book. This is a folktale, but really a fun read for kids!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you don't celebrate Rosh Hashanah, this is a beautiful story of a good man taking care of the poor. "Ordinary kindness and compassion are enough to save the world." Good discussion-starter if your group can talk about God.

[Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite childrens stories. Cute illustrations, easy to read aloud text, beautiful story.

[Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Simply told and very true. We are all capable of going "even higher".

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic retelling of the IL Peretz story. Perfect for sharing with 2nd & 3rd graders at Rosh Hashanah.

[Adonai Tzidkenu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best!

I went Even Higher with Rebs and the Litvak!!

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