The Hardest Word: A Yom Kippur Story

The book brings out a key part of this high holiday, i.e. saying "I am sorry". The one point one could make is that the bird is not doing something bad, he just can not find the hardest word. Failing to accomplish a task is not inherently a sin. There are many occasions in life where we say "I am sorry" and the most important ones is when we did something purposefully or omitted something that was not right. That is different from not being able to do something. The bird regretted his inability to find the hardest word and that genuine regret caused him to say "I am sorry". This is also one way to bring the substance closer to children. The bird also rectifies an earlier mishap (again, not done on purpose) and restores a garden playground for children. This is a good book. It should be complemented with a book that describes Yom Kippur more explicit in theological terms with great pictures. One of these books is "On Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur" by Cathy Goldberg Fishman, a true gem.

This is a book whose challenging goal is to begin to teach about Yom Kippur and the abstract concept of atonement. The author wisely uses the phrase “I’m sorry” since children are familiar with it. The main character learn as the story develops that “I’m sorry” is the hardest thing to say.. I think it is a good first attempt to tackle a very complicated subject, but it requires parental discussion and guidance.

Jules focuses on the ramifications of people’s mistakes. However, her story is seen through the eyes of Ziz, a mythical flying creature. Ziz has the propensity to cause destruction due to his enormous size. Many times, Ziz is able to fix the problems that he causes. On one occasion, he sought God’s advice on how to fix one of his calamities. God sent him on a mission to find the hardest word. Searching the world, he came up with dozens of answers. None were correct. Frustrated and sad, he approached God with no more answers. He simply apologized. Finally, he had found the hardest word, “sorry.”“Sorry” can be the hardest word for some. Anyone reading this book will be reminded of the importance of this word. The references to God may or may not be appropriate in all settings. Most will consider this book more relevant to a Jewish audience. Young Jewish children will see Ziz as a role model for appropriate behavior by following his example of saying “I’m sorry” on Yom Kippur as well as the rest of the year.

Wonderful kids' book for Yom Kippur! Makes the point with humor, no moralizing.

My son requested I give this five stars! It’s got a very nice moral about the importance of apologizing for your mistakes, tying nicely into Jewish values, while also being entertaining for kids. My son has made me read it dozens of times.

I just bought it for the pictures without looking much into it and when I read it I was surprised the way it introcuded the idea about iom kipur for a 6 year old kid. I read it to my doughter half in english and half in spanish translating while reading it and I found it a great experience. She loved it and I love it when she does

I have used this book in several different settings. It has been very useful.

A beautiful book that engages all ages. I used it in my Sunday school class with great success.

If you need to teach children how to say sorry (and it's meaning) - this will help...

A story that makes the idea of Yom Kippur accessible to young children. Suitable for all religions, as well. Pictures are a fine accompaniment. Based on a Hasidic tale, but adapted....