The bear is sad and lonely. He is only used to playing with bears, and is certain he cannot play with any other animal. A tortoise, rabbit, and pair of snails, teach him that with creativity and good humor, he can learn to have fun with all kinds of friends. This story will put you in a very good mood! "A good friend" (Ethics of the Fathers, 2:9)
Age Group: KINDERGARTEN
Book-Related Family Activities
generalMany sources in Jewish tradition emphasize the importance of having good friends in our lives, their positive impact on us, and the efforts one should put into developing and maintaining relationships with good friends.
In Ethics of the Fathers there is a story about Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai, who asked his disciples to suggest ways of helping a person walk the good path. They gave several answers to this question, and Rabbi Joshua pointed out the importance of having a good friend:
[Rabbi Yochanan] said to them [his disciples]: Go and see which is the best trait for a person to acquire. Said Rabbi Eliezer: A good eye. Said Rabbi Joshua: A good friend. Said Rabbi Yossei: A good neighbor. Said Rabbi Shimon: To see what is born [out of one’s actions]. Said Rabbi Elazar: A good heart.
A good friend is not necessarily one who is most like us, or always sees eye to eye with us, but one who can open our eyes, and help us pursue new paths. Good friends do not give up on us, and know how to do so with love and good humor.
Book-Related Video
Copies Distributed:
117,000
Publishing:
עם עובד
Year of Distribution:
2018 2017-2018
