Long ago in Jerusalem, bakers Esther and Ezra woke early each morning to make challah. “By the time the sun had come up, the couple had baked enough challah for all the families in Jerusalem to bless and eat at their Shabbat dinners.” Their young delivery boy, Jacob, would hitch their horse, Soosie, to the wagon and make his way throughout the city. “Clip-Clop” went Soosie’s hooves on the cobbles; “Clink-Clang” went the coins into the tin bank on the wagon to pay for the bread. On a morning Jacob is too sick to do the deliveries, he suggests they send Soosie on her own with the wagon full of bread and a note asking people to pay as usual. He’s sure Soosie has walked the route so many times she’ll know the way. “Clip-Clop”: Across the city Soosie makes her deliveries. “Clink-Clang”: People read Jacob’s note and put money in the tin bank. The delightful story with a folkloric feel is set in the early 20 ^th century and inspired by a famous bakery in Jerusalem. That history, and information about Jerusalem and Shabbat, are included in the end matter of a tale set against stylized illustrations. (Ages 4-8)

Every Shabbat Jacob and his horse Soosie set out to deliver Ezra and Esther’s delicious challahs to their Jerusalem neighbors. But what happens when Jacob is sick? Will everyone get their challah in time for Shabbat?

This heart-warming story highlights the important Jewish values of caring for animals and the sick. It is based on the history of Angel Bakery, the oldest commercial bakery in Israel. The charming illustrations capture picturesque turn of the century Jerusalem and its diverse group of residents.

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