WOW Review: Volume XVII, Issue 1 • Page 10 of 12 • Worlds of Words

The Very Best Sukkah: A Story from Uganda
Written by Shoshana Nambi
Illustrated by Moran Yogev
Kalaniot Books, 2022, 32 pp (unpaged)
ISBN: 9781735087580

Readers are immersed in the Ugandan Jewish world of Shoshi, a young girl preparing for the Sukkot festival and hoping to win her community’s annual decorating competition. Shoshi and her family gather Nsambya tree branches for their Sukkah’s roof and collaborate with her art teacher to incorporate student artwork into the decorations. When a storm damages a neighboring family’s Sukkah, Shoshi, her brother David, and other villagers come together to repair it, discovering that Sukkot’s true essence lies in community unity rather than winning contests. This message of unity resonates throughout the narrative, fostering a sense of connection and belonging among readers.

Shoshana Nambi’s narrative includes universal themes of community and belonging with the unique cultural traditions of Ugandan Judaism. Set against Uganda’s picturesque geographical backdrop, this story authentically portrays the Abayudaya community, challenging conventional perceptions of Jewish identity and emphasizing the diversity within global Judaism. The communal preparations for Sukkot highlight collective efforts and individual contributions, demonstrating how cultural practices unite people across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The narrative subtly references the historical resilience of the Abayudaya, who have maintained their Jewish faith amidst historical and social challenges in Uganda, enriching the story with historical depth.

Moran Yogev’s illustrations enrich the story by visually portraying the cultural heritage, communal spirit, and celebratory atmosphere of the Ugandan Jewish community. Using vibrant colors and a blend of realistic and stylized elements, Yogev captures the warmth and richness of Uganda’s landscape and culture. The artwork features flowing lines and gentle curves resembling natural forms like the Sukkah’s branches. At the same time, textures distinguish between elements such as tree branches, clothing fabrics, and the temporary Sukkah structure. Characters are depicted with diverse skin tones and traditional Ugandan attire, emphasizing the cultural specificity of the Abayudaya Jewish community. Scenes reflect Uganda’s natural beauty, including landscapes, flora, and fauna, alongside depictions of community life and varying economic statuses among villagers participating in Sukkot celebrations.

The Very Best Sukkah: A Story from Uganda appeals to a broad audience, from children to young teens interested in exploring diverse cultures, traditions, and celebrations worldwide. Its engaging narrative and vivid illustrations facilitate discussions on universal values, encouraging reflection and dialogue among readers. This book explores cultural richness, community resilience, and the transformative power of unity within the Ugandan Jewish community. It is both a captivating story and an educational tool, inviting readers to appreciate diversity, celebrate tradition, and reflect on the universal values that bind communities together.

Educators can expand students’ understanding by incorporating texts that explore cultural identity and intercultural exchanges, such as the board book Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohan and Sarah Walsh (2018) which illustrate the head coverings that Sikhs, Muslims, Rastafarians, Orthodox Jews, and Christians wear around the world. In The Keeping Quilt, author Patricia Polacco (1988) tells the story of how a quilt passed down for four generations, made from pieces of clothing from relatives back in Russia, helped each generation remember family.

Drawing from her upbringing in Uganda with her grandparents, Shoshana Nambi infuses personal experiences into this story. Her cultural pride is evident through the narrative’s moral lessons and pride in community achievements. Inspired by practices observed in the United States, she aims to support added creativity within Jewish education and prayer while honoring longstanding customs within the Abayudaya community. More information about Shoshana Nambi is available online.

Moran Yogev, an esteemed illustrator based in northern Israel, enhances the narrative with her artistic prowess, showcasing her talent in print techniques through exhibitions and contributions to children’s magazines. More information about Moran Yogev is available on her website.

Meghan Katzen, Texas Woman’s University

Authors retain copyright over the vignettes published in this journal and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under the following Creative Commons License: