The Kingdom of Singing Birds by Miriam Aroner, with illustrations by Shelly O. Haas, is a story about Rabbi Zusya. Zusya was a Hasidic rabbi who famously said that when he was called to account for what he had done in his life, he was not worried that he would be asked why he was not Moses, but rather that he would be asked why he was not Zusya.

In this lovely picture book for children, a king has inherited a marvelous collection of birds, but is concerned that they don’t sing. Rabbi Zusya—to give it all away—explains that the king must open the birds’ cages if he wants them to sing. The king is worried that the birds will fly away, but, in fact, while some birds do, even more come to the kingdom. All of them sing.

To me the story is about Jewish observance. The king carefully observes the commandments he has learned from his father(s); he has built a strong fence around the law. But, while he makes sure that everything is done correctly, there is no inspiration or joy or understanding in his observance. He is not motivated to do more good deeds or contemplate spiritual thoughts. The solution is not to get rid of the birds, but to give them the opportunity to move about in the outside world and return to the palace as they wish. The risk is that some birds—traditions—can be lost and other, different birds may enter the palace. Is this a problem? That may depend on how you view history and on whether you are Orthodox or Conservative or Reform or ….

If we insist on inflexible traditions, then our traditions will never soar or sing.

Also, please note that in Martin Buber's Tales of the Hasidim, there is a very different version of the story: Reb Zusya, while traveling to collect money to free Jewish captives, comes across caged birds in an inn and frees them, saying to himself that, just as people need to be freed, so too do these birds. The innkeeper beats up Zusya, who quotes from Psalms when he explains his actions, and Zusya leaves "serene" (or "content" in Ellen Frankel's The Classic Tales. ( )

NO OF PAGES: 27 SUB CAT I: Children's Resources SUB CAT II: SUB CAT III: DESCRIPTION: When his collection of rare and exotic birds refuses to sing, the king calls wise Rabbi Zusya for help.NOTES: SUBTITLE:

When his collection of birds refuses to sing, the king calls wise Rabbi Zusya for help (from the summary).