A Scroll of Breath: Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) for Jewish Children

"Vanity of vanities," says Kohelet. "All is vanity."What does that mean for a child?A Scroll of Breath introduces children and families to the Book of Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) through a calm, reflective retelling designed for shared reading. Rather than offering answers too quickly, the book invites young readers to pause, notice, and ask questions about time, work, joy, loss, and what truly lasts.Written in three short movements-The Search for Meaning, A Time to Ask Why, and What Lasts Forever-this book treats children as thoughtful participants in Jewish tradition. It preserves the poetic gravity of Kohelet while translating its themes into language and scenes children can enter without fear.A Scroll of Breath is not a lesson book or a moral shortcut. It is a quiet companion for families who want to read sacred texts together, slowly and honestly.Ideal for: - Jewish families seeking thoughtful co-reading - Children ages 7-12 (with adults) - Homes, schools, and synagogues - Parents who want tradition without simplificationPart of the Young Minds: Neshama series from The Big Ideas Club, dedicated to helping children encounter enduring ideas with seriousness, care, and wonder.