THE SEE-YOU-SOON SPICE BOX

A meaningful ritual brings young Silas and Great-Grandma Faye closer together.

According to observant Jewish tradition, Havdalah signifies the formal end of Shabbat on Saturday night and its “separation” from the other days of the week. (Havdalah means “separation” in Hebrew.) On one of their weekly video calls, Great-Grandma Faye tells Silas how much she loves Havdalah; she suggests that the two of them perform the ceremony virtually until they can meet in person again. Great-Grandma Faye shows Silas a spice box—a very important item used in the ceremony—made by Great-Grandpa long ago. Inspired, Silas creates his own version from a lidded plastic cup, which he fills with cinnamon, his favorite spice, and shows it to Great-Grandma Faye on their next call. When Great-Grandma Faye finally arrives, the family observes Havdalah with both boxes. Children will appreciate Silas and Great-Grandma Faye’s loving intergenerational relationship and their up-to-date communication style; readers will smile as the two sign off with variations on the phrase “See you soon” (“See you soon, Harvest Moon!” “See you soon, Green Balloon!”). Great-Grandma Faye’s clear yet whimsically child-friendly explanation of Havdalah (“the in-between-est part of the week”) will resonate with youngsters. Muted illustrations depict a loving, light-skinned family amid cozy settings; some background characters are brown-skinned.

A gentle demonstration of how familial bonds—and traditions—can endure even over vast physical distances.