"It's terribly crowded in our tiny home". So what do we do? Take in chickens, a cow, and a goat, of course! This amusing, rhyming tale by Efraim Sidon introduces young readers to one of the most well-known examples of Jewish folklore, teaching them the origins of the expression Lehotzi et Haez ("removing the goat", which means removing an unnecessary obstacle to cause tremendous relief). "Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot" (Ethics of the Fathers, 4:1)
This proverb from the Mishnah teaches us that a person’s wealth is measured only by their ability to be happy, and enjoy what they have. We often begin to appreciate something once we no longer have it. The rabbi’s surprising piece of advice – to take chickens, a cow and a goat into the family home – teaches its inhabitants a valuable lesson in appreciating and recognizing what they have.
The illustrations demonstrate the clutter and noise in this house. You may enjoy looking through the book together, and finding what is misplaced and funny on each page. You could also compare the picture of the house from the beginning of the book to the one after the goat had been removed. What are the similarities and differences between the two illustrations?
Shimon’s house is not only crowded, but noisy too. You could demonstrate this to your child in the following way: turn on the TV or radio, and gradually add some of the sounds mentioned in the story. One of you could moo like a cow, another could make chicken noises, or a goat’s… until you will no longer be able to hear the TV or radio. Stop making all the animal noises at the same time, and discover just how quiet the room has become.
This story is the origin of the expression Lehotzi et Haez (“to remove the goat”), meaning to cause tremendous relief by removing something unnecessary. Is your house crowded? Does your child have any unnecessary “goats” in their schoolbag or pencil case? Try to find the reason for the clutter in your home – perhaps the drawers are full of old toys, clothes, or shoes that are no longer needed? You could tidy the house up together, and donate some of the things you no longer need. How did you feel once you removed the “goats” from your home?
Shimon and his wife go to their rabbi to seek his advice. Talking is helpful. Who do we turn to when we need advice? Who helps us solve problems? You could share some unexpected advice you may have received with your child that had proven helpful.
You may enjoy discussing a change of perspective with your child. Sometimes we cannot change reality, but are capable of changing the way we view it. Together, you could think of times when a change of attitude led you to see things differently. For it is those who are content with their lot that are truly rich.
Humor and folk tales
It’s Crowded at Home is a folk tale that takes place in a Jewish shtetl. The message of the story is conveyed humorously, with no direct preaching. The amusing tale of the goat, like many other humorous stories in Jewish tradition, remind us of that valuable life lessons are best learned with a smile!
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