Zlateh the Goat Lesson Plan

Why does Aaron’s family want to sell Zlateh?

They need the extra money in order to buy candles and food for Hanukkah. Aaron's father is a furrier, which means his income is mostly during the winter months, when it's cold and people need furs to keep warm. In the year when "Zlateh the Goat" takes place, the winter has thus far been so mild that the villagers aren't buying furs, and Aaron's family has fallen on hard times. Some students may judge Aaron's family harshly for sending Zlateh to slaughter, so encourage students to also consider sympathetic readings of this choice - Zlateh as a sacrifice for the family, the children's happiness at Hanukkah, the importance of...