Bagels from Benny

Reach for this book when you want to explore the concept of gratitude beyond a simple thank you or when your child asks big questions about where their kindness goes. This gentle folktale follows young Benny, who wants to thank God for the delicious bagels in his grandfather's bakery. On his grandfather's advice, Benny leaves a bag of fresh bagels in the synagogue's Ark every Friday, unaware of who is actually receiving them. The story gracefully navigates the transition from a child's literal understanding of faith to a deeper, more community-focused realization. It is an ideal choice for families looking to model the Jewish value of Tzedakah (righteous giving) and the joy of anonymous kindness. The warm, intergenerational bond between Benny and his grandfather provides a soft emotional landing for a story that touches on poverty and the mystery of the divine.