3Hanukkah, which literally means "rededication", is also known as "The Festival of Lights." This Jewish holiday traditionally starts on the 25th of Kislev, which is a Hebrew month, and is generally celebrated around the same time as Christmas. The purpose of Hanukkah is to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple, which took place in 164 B.C. when the Maccabees fought against the Syrians, who had taken Jerusalem captive and had desecrated the Temple. The Maccabees rededicated the Temple to God and were able to miraculously light the menorah in the Temple for 8 days, even though they only had one day's worth of oil. Celebrating Hanukkah pays tribute to God's faithfulness and honors the bravery of those who fought for their faith. It is also a wonderful time to enjoy family, food and fun.A family discussion of the meaning of the holiday
A menorah
Traditional foods
Hanukkah music
Activities geared towards children
- Gather the family together and discuss the meaning of Hanukkah and how it plays an importance in your religious beliefs. Older generations can help explain to younger generations of your family members the story behind Hanukkah and can also tell them how they celebrated the holidays when they were younger. This is a way for the family to bond together and to learn more about the history of their culture.Enjoy lighting the menorah, which is a candelabra. The candle in the middle is first lit on the night before Hanukkah begins and this candle is used to light each of the eight other candles. Each candle represents one of the eight days of Hanukkah. On each of the eight nights that you light the menorah, some families present small gifts to family members.Cook traditional holiday foods. This is an important ritual for those celebrating Hanukkah. Most families have passed down several holiday recipes, such as potato latkes (potato pancakes), rugelach (a type of cookie), sufganiyot (donuts), teiglach (a type of dessert), and other dishes prepared with oil to mark the occasion. Allow children to help, in order for them to feel as though their participation is valuable and so they can one day pass on these recipes to their own children.Teach and sing traditional holiday songs, such as "Sivivon, sov,sov,sov," "I Have a Little Dreidel" and "Hanukkah, Oh, Hanukkah." Play lively instrumental music related to celebrating Hanukkah and dance to it.Have special activities planned for children. You can find many good ideas for free on the internet, with websites that provide printable puzzles, worksheets. and directions for crafts projects. Children can also play popular holiday games, such as "Spin the Dreidel."
