The Always Prayer Shawl

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"Then many things began to change. There was trouble in Russia. There was not enough food. People were hungry.
Soldiers were fighting everywhere. Everyone was afraid.
Adam's parents said, "We must leave our home and go to a better place. It is so far away that we can never come back."
Adam's grandfather said, "You must go without me. I am too old to change anymore."
Adam cried, "I don't want to leave you, Grandfather! I will never see you again!"
Adam's grandfather kissed him for the last time. He held out his prayer shawl and he said, " My grandfather gave me this prayer shawl. Now I am giving it to you."
Adam held it tightly against his chest. He could hardly speak for his tears, so he whispered, "I am always Adam and this is my always prayer shawl. That won't change.""

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Sheldon Oberman

Oberman (1949-2004) was a writer, teacher, performer, playwright, and filmmaker. He was a prolific artist in many fields, but is best remembered for his award-winning children's stories including The Lion in the Lake/Le Lion dans le Lac (1988), This Business with Elijah (1993), and The Always Prayer Shawl (1994). Oberman enjoyed performing these stories live in front of young audiences.

Ted Lewin

Lewin (1935 - ) has illustrated over 200 children's books and earned many honors in his long career. The Always Prayer Shawl  received

• a Sydney Taylor Award
  
• the National Jewish Book Award
  
• an Our Choice Award, Canadian Children's Books Center, and
  
• a Reading Rainbow Selection.
  

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Wonder

There are a few moments in family life where wonder mysteriously reveals a sacred moment, such as the birth of a child. Those special moments also happen when a Grandparent shares a special story or gives a precious item to a Grandchild -- these moments across generations are filled with wonder.

Story Synopsis

Grandfather gives Adam his prayer shawl when the family leaves Russia for America. Years pass, the world changes, and Adam has a family of his own - but Adam and his "always" prayer shawl are still the same. Even when he passes it on to his own grandson.

Emerging readers, picture book,  32 pages. When Adam emigrates from Czarist Russia to America, his grandfather gives him a prayer shawl to remember him by. The shawl is a reminder that though the world around young Adam may change, the most important things remain constant.