Religious Holidays

A Poem for Every Day of the Year is a magnificent collection of 366 poems compiled by Allie Esiri, one to share on every day of the year. These poems are funny, thoughtful, inspiring, humbling, informative, quiet, loud, small, epic, peaceful, energetic, upbeat, motivating and empowering!

The Quarrel of Sword and Bone was a death sentence for anyone who stepped into the arena with the deranged Queen, whose soul had crisped to frost in an age long since past. Sixteen-year-old Helen Bell understood tragedy better than most kids growing up—she knew what it was like to wear clothes from donation bins and be mocked by the beautiful girls in school. She thought these brutal experiences made her ready for anything.

Eight-year-old Elsie Dinsmore is enjoying a blissful Christmas holiday season with her family and friends when a crisis arises that threatens life as she knows it. She believes that obeying a request her father has made would violate her conscience, and she must refuse him. He, in turn, believes Elsie is being willful and disobedient, and he fails to see her refusal as a matter of her deep, abiding faith in God.

Although she grew up following some holiday rituals, Abigail Pogrebin realized how little she knew about their foundational purpose and contemporary relevance; she wanted to understand what had kept these holidays alive and vibrant, some for thousands of years. Her curiosity led her to embark on an entire year of research, observation, and writing about the milestones on the religious calendar. Whether in search of a roadmap for Jewish life or a challenging probe into the architecture of Jewish tradition, listeners will be captivated, educated, and inspired by My Jewish Year.

Two thousand years ago, a ship sailed east, alone on an endless sea. The people onboard were fleeing the same war that the Maccabees fought in the ancient land of Israel. They took with them their faith and their traditions, knowing they would sail for more than a year. When a great storm crushed their boat on the shores of India, only a few survived. Some say the prophet Elijah plucked them from the sea. But they were welcomed by the people of the new land. They survived and adapted, with new spices for their food and new clothing and culture to borrow, but never strayed from their faith.

Riya loves Diwali for the tasty treats but not the darkness and loud fireworks. Can Riya be brave and find a way to celebrate Diwali with her family without being scared? Presented as a 'Once Upon a Time' bedtime story, children will learn the origin of Diwali and how it came to be a celebration of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is a five-day long celebration beginning from purchasing silver and gold items, to decorating the home with lights and candles, to preparing baked goods and visiting friends and family, to ending the holiday with fireworks and a celebration of siblings.

Rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah, Latke the puppy joins the family just in time for the celebrations. Although he has trouble learning the house rules, he is one lucky dog! Told from the pup's point of view, this sweet Hanukkah song is perfect for little ones.

It’s a New Mexico Christmas. The lights are strung, the luminarias are set along the sidewalks. Treats are abundant and Charlie Parker is getting ready for her mother-in-law’s holiday visit. But there is trouble in the neighborhood and when death shows up - right next door - Charlie’s bright, festive plans suddenly take a turn for the dark.

Manche Menschen denken bei Weihnachten an "Stille Nacht". Weit gefehlt! Die Heilige Nacht war voller Geschrei, Gesang und Gebrüll! Es war genauso laut wie auf unseren Weihnachtsfeiern. Diese originell nacherzählte Weihnachtsgeschichte lädt dazu ein, etwas Lärm zu machen, damit Kinder sie miterleben. Vor allem aber führt sie die Kinder in stille Anbetung über dem Wunder der Menschwerdung Jesu: Gottes Sohn wird Mensch, um uns mit Gott zu versöhnen. Ausmalbilder helfen, die Geschichte zu reflektieren.

Ruthie can’t wait to celebrate Hanukkah. And what makes Hanukkah even better? Pajamakkahs! Ruthie wants to wear them all eight nights, but her parents agree only if she can keep them spotless until the Hanukkah Pajamakkah Party. But eight nights is a long time, and a lot can happen. With a splish, squelch, and a splash, Ruthie keeps her promise of having spotless pajamakkahs in time for the party.

Ramadan is almost here! It's Zain's favorite time of the year. Well, it usually is. After a recent move and with no mosque or Islamic school in his new neighborhood, will Zain find a new Muslim friend to celebrate with him? Children will learn what makes the ninth Islamic month special from pre-Ramadan decorating, the importance of fasting and volunteering in the community, and the festivities and prayers that continue through the month, ending with Eid al-Fitr.

Welcome to Passover, a Jewish holiday that has been celebrated for thousands of years. The heart of Passover is the seder—a meal full of rituals, special foods, and songs—where we gather together to retell the story of the Exodus, when the Jewish people achieved freedom from Egypt.

America's Favorite Holidays explores how five of America's culturally important holidays - Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, and Thanksgiving - came to be what they are today, seasonal and religious celebrations heavily influenced by modern popular culture.

Join the festivities and discover the joy of giving, coming together and spreading happiness in five new family stories! These uplifting stories are perfect for young children celebrating with their friends and family, or wanting to learn about different Jewish traditions. These stories are aimed at children aged three to six for family listening, learning and the development of young minds.

As Sarah's family prepares for Passover, Sarah makes sure to save a chair at the table for the prophet Elijah who is said to visit every Seder. But when the electricity goes out in the buildings across the street and the neighbors start arriving at Sarah's apartment, her parents invite each visitor to join the Seder. Sarah adds another place setting for Elijah, and then another, but soon the table is full with people from her neighborhood and there are no more chairs to spare! How can Sarah honor the Passover tradition of saving a place for Elijah?

Stumbling onto an ancient wine press while walking her dog, amateur archeologist Jodie gets the best idea ever for a birthday surprise for her dad!

Angry that his father is afraid to kindle the Hanukkah lights, Emanuel stows away on a whaling ship. When a storm overtakes the boat, it is his father's change of heart and the family menorah that light the way home.

Engineer Ari rushes to complete his final train ride to Jerusalem before Passover begins, but will he run out of time before getting the items he needs for his Seder plate?

Sammy Spider watches longingly as Josh Shapiro lights another candle and receives another brightly-colored dreidel each night of Hanukkah.

Mama set another place. Papa found an extra seat. Hannah squeezed to make more space, Thrilled to have a guest to greet. Uh-oh! As the sheep family Passover seder begins, more and more guests show up!