A Turkish Rosh Hashanah

A Sephardic spin on New Year traditions—engaging, sensory, and rich in cultural education.

From Etan Basseri, author of the bestselling A Persian Passover, comes A Turkish Rosh Hashanah—a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book that brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of early 20th-century Istanbul to life. Follow young Rafael and his cousins as they prepare for Rosh Hashanah with their beloved Nona, exploring bustling markets, learning Sephardic customs, overcoming fears, and sharing a joyful New Year celebration.

Illustrated by acclaimed Turkish artist Zeynep Özatalay, the book captures the vibrant textures and colors of Istanbul with authenticity and warmth. Her rich visuals perfectly complement the story’s celebration of Jewish heritage and community. A free downloadable activity guide that highlights the themes in this book is available on the Kalaniot Books website.

A Turkish Rosh Hashanah was an Association of Jewish Libraries Holiday Highlights Book and recived positive reviews from School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.