Day of Delight: A Jewish Sabbath in Ethiopia

By Maxine Rose Schur

Experience the beauty of Shabbat through the eyes of a young boy in a traditional Ethiopian Jewish village--an evocative tribute to family, faith, and a vanishing way of life.

Before the sun rises over the Ethiopian mountains, Senvetu and his family begin preparations for the most special time of the week: the Sabbath, their Day of Delight. From blacksmithing, to gathering honey, grinding grain, and baking fragrant bread, Senvetu's world is full of purpose, tradition, and community. With poetic prose by Maxine Rose Schur and vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Honor-awarded artist Brian Pinkney, this heartfelt story depicts a culture, a ritual, and a legacy of a unique community.

Includes a glossary and a note by renown scholar, Rabbi Dr. Sharon Zewde Shalom, on the Ethiopian Jewish community, known as Beta Israel.

A free downloadable activity guide that highlights the themes in this book is available on the Kalaniot Books website.

About Kalaniot Books
Kalaniot Books is dedicated to sharing the richness and diversity of Jewish life and culture with today's children and families. With a special focus on amplifying voices from Jewish communities around the world, Kalaniot celebrates the many ways Jewish identity is expressed--through story, song, language, and art. Every book is a window into Jewish heritage, designed to spark curiosity, connection, and pride in young readers.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1962011003
• ISBN13: 9781962011006
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Kalaniot Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4