When i was in college in new orleans, i had the pleasure of being Ms. Pusker's student in her children's literature class. that was the first time i was ever introduced to the Belfers, and even though i am not jewish, i intend to share this book with my daughter. i know that these books are a modern version for the life that Ms. Pushker led in southern louisiana, so that makes them even more special! Read them, they are really good!

Swaying on her suburban porch swing, Toby asks her best friend, Donna, for forgiveness. The High Holy Days are here, it is Rosh Hashana, and Toby heard her rabbi's sermon on the topic of repentence and change. She is sorry for teasing Donna's younger brother. Toby then explains to Donna the high holy days and their meaning, the synagogue in the city, apples and honey, Yom Kippur, Kol Nidre, challah (though the illustration doesn't draw it round), and the shofar. The book ends with a honey cake recipe from Toby's late Gram'.

Toby lives up to his rabbi's wishes to help others, give charity, and apologize for any hurts caused; and as she follows his instructions and explains her Jewish heritage to her best friend Donna, she discovers new meaning in her background and life in this warm story of self-discovery and confidences sparked by a Jewish tradition.