Kol Hakavod: Way to Go!

PreS-Gr 1–Rhyming text introduces readers to the Hebrew expression Kol Hakavod. The literal translation is “all respect,” but it really means so much more. Kiffel-Alcheh describes it this way: “It’s everything. It’s all. It’s whole./Entire. The Most. In Hebrew, it’s kol.” “And what’s kavod? It’s gee! It’s wow./It’s honor, respect. It’s whoa, holy cow!” Double page images show different ways that children can earn this praise: giving up their seat on the subway to a pregnant woman or elderly person, picking up trash, putting money in the tzedakah (charity) box, visiting a sick friend, showing kindness to animals, sharing, teaching someone something new, and many more. The illustrations are realistic, textured, and expressive and depict a contemporary, mostly urban setting. While the examples presented, as well as the overall message that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference, are certainly universal, the phrase Kol Hakavod isn’t typically heard outside of religious settings.