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People say that when the angels distributed silliness throughout the world, their bowl tipped over and all the silliness spilled onto the town of Chelm. How do Chelmites know their Elders are the best at solving problems? Because they have the longest beards! This quick and easy read is great for younger kids.
Ages 9+
Pages 68
Publisher Kar-Ben
Coming Dec 2021

Average Rating

151 Reviews
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What the Book Is About

This well-written collection of ten stories features various foolish characters of Chelm as they celebrate Jewish holidays. It’s suitable for both independent reading and family read-aloud time, and kids and adults alike will be highly entertained by the stories’ silliness while appreciating Jewish holiday traditions.

Jewish Content & Values

  • Each of the stories focuses on a Jewish holiday, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim, Passover, Lag B’Omer, Shavuot, and Shabbat. 
  • Many of the stories emphasize positive Jewish values such as giving charity to the poor (tzedakah), helping your neighbors (gemilut hasadim), and serving the community (Arevim Ze La’ze).

Positive Role Models

Despite the foolishness, the Rabbi and Elders of Chelm are kind to one other and to the members of the community. 

Content Advisory

None.

Talk It Over

The people of Chelm solve problems in their own unique way. Do you think there are different ways to problem-solve, or is there a definite right and wrong solution for every problem?

More for You

Although the stories are completely fictional, Chelm is a real city in eastern Poland, and many of the classic Chelm stories have origins in European folklore. Published in Yiddish from the 1700s and made famous by writers such as Issac Bashevis Singer, the comedic foibles of the Elders of Chelm, very wise men completely lacking in common sense, are still popular and entertaining today. 
What the Book Is About

What the Book Is About

This well-written collection of ten stories features various foolish characters of Chelm as they celebrate Jewish holidays. It’s suitable for both independent reading and family read-aloud time, and kids and adults alike will be highly entertained by the stories’ silliness while appreciating Jewish holiday traditions.

Jewish Content & Values

  • Each of the stories focuses on a Jewish holiday, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim, Passover, Lag B’Omer, Shavuot, and Shabbat. 
  • Many of the stories emphasize positive Jewish values such as giving charity to the poor (tzedakah), helping your neighbors (gemilut hasadim), and serving the community (Arevim Ze La’ze).

Positive Role Models

Despite the foolishness, the Rabbi and Elders of Chelm are kind to one other and to the members of the community. 

Content Advisory

None.

Talk It Over

The people of Chelm solve problems in their own unique way. Do you think there are different ways to problem-solve, or is there a definite right and wrong solution for every problem?

More for You

Although the stories are completely fictional, Chelm is a real city in eastern Poland, and many of the classic Chelm stories have origins in European folklore. Published in Yiddish from the 1700s and made famous by writers such as Issac Bashevis Singer, the comedic foibles of the Elders of Chelm, very wise men completely lacking in common sense, are still popular and entertaining today.