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As It Happens

'Zlateh the Goat' - an end of Hanukkah tale

We mark the final day of Hanukkah with a reading of "Zlateh the Goat," about a family who plans to sell their goat to pay for Hanukkah celebrations, but have a change of heart after a blizzard hits their little village.
CBC Radio ·
A black and white illustration of a boy in a trench coat and hat sitting at a table next to a goat.
The cover of the children's book, "Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories," written by Isaac Bashevis Singer and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. (HarperCollins Publishers)
As It Happens11:28Zlateh the Goat

Mild winters are bad news for people who make a living selling fur coats. And so Reuven, the furrier, finds himself with little money to pay for Hanukkah celebrations and gifts.

To make a little money, Reuven decides to sell the family's goat, Zlateh. Reuven sends his son, Aaron, to take Zlateh to town and deliver him to the local butcher.

On their long trip into town, Aaron and Zlateh are caught in a snowstorm.

"Zlateh the Goat" is the story of what happens with the boy, his goat, and how their lives are changed on their journey.

"Zlateh the Goat" is written by Isaac Bashevis Singer, and was originally illustrated by Maurice Sendak, the writer and illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are. It's published by HarperCollins.

The story is read by late As it Happens host, Fireside Al Maitland.

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