Written by Guest Blogger Katelyn Cohen-Kivett

What is Hanukkah and why is it celebrated?

Hanukkah is a vibrant and meaningful Jewish festival celebrated worldwide. The term “Hanukkah” originates from the Hebrew word for dedication, highlighting the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the festival’s historical events. Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of oil and light, which is rooted in the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. After the Temple was desecrated, the Maccabees found only a small amount of pure oil to light the menorah, enough for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days until a new supply was obtained. Hanukkah celebrates this miracle by lighting the menorah over eight nights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and the resilience of the Jewish people.

How to Celebrate

Hanukkah Symbols and Decorations

• Playing Dreidels: The spinning of the dreidel, a four-sided spinning top, is a popular Hanukkah game. Each side of the dreidel bears a Hebrew letter: Nun, Gimel, Hey, and Shin, forming the acronym for “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham,” which translates to “a great miracle happened there.” Players use candies, nuts, or chocolate coins (gelt) as game pieces.
• Traditional Hanukkah Colors and Decorations: Blue, white, and silver are traditional Hanukkah colors. Decorations often include menorahs, dreidels, and Stars of David. Families also display banners and lights to create a festive atmosphere.

How to Light the Menorah

• Step-by-step Guide: The lighting of the menorah is a central Hanukkah tradition. Each night, one additional candle is lit, progressing from right to left. The center candle, the Shamash, is used to light the others, always lighting the newest candle first. While you light the candles, you’ll also say a special blessing. For more information, here’s a helpful guide. By the eighth night, all candles are illuminated. Display your menorah in the window to share the light of Hanukkah with the world.
• Involving Kids in the Lighting Ceremony: Encourage children to actively participate by assigning them the task of lighting the Shamash or helping arrange the candles. This involvement fosters a sense of tradition and responsibility.

Traditional Hanukkah Foods

• Typical Foods: Foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), are popular during Hanukkah.
• Recipes for Kids: Engage children in the kitchen by making simple, festive treats like stained-glass cookies in festive shapes or making yummy latkes. Check out this resource for recipes and more ideas.

Hanukkah Crafts and DIY Decorations

• Engaging Craft Ideas: Engage kids in age-appropriate crafts to enhance their connection to the holiday. Check out these fun ideas below.
  • Make a Own Menorah
  • Coloring Sheets (That also teach you how to play dreidel!)
  • Watercolor Dreidels
  • Star of David Suncatcher
• Spreading Kindness: The Tradition of Giving:
  • Teaching Tzedakah: Use Hanukkah as an opportunity to teach children about Tzedakah, the Jewish tradition of charity and righteousness. Encourage them to donate to a cause or participate in acts of kindness throughout the festival.
  • Simple Acts of Kindness: Create a family “kindness calendar” for the duration of Hanukkah with daily suggestions for spreading joy, whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering, or writing letters to loved ones.

Hanukkah Books and Stories

• Recommended Reading: Explore Hanukkah-themed books suitable for various age groups. Some classics include:
  • “The Story of Hanukkah” by David Adler
  • “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” by Eric Kimmel
  • “Meet the Latkes” by Alan Silberberg
  • “How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?” by Jane Yolen

Celebrating Hanukkah in the Triad

• December 7 at 4:30 PM–Chabad Menorah Lighting & Hanukkah Celebration. Visit https://www.chabadgreensboro.com/ for more information.
• December 11 at 3:30 PM–PJ Library Community Hanukkah Event. Visit shalomgreensboro.org for more information.

Hanukkah is a time for reflection, joy, and togetherness. By incorporating these traditions, activities, and local resources, families can create lasting memories during this Festival of Lights.

B’nai Shalom Day School is a Jewish Day School located in Greensboro, NC. With approximately 140 students between the ages of 8 weeks to 8th grade, B’nai Shalom fosters curiosity, critical-thinking, confidence, and connection to Jewish values through its individualized approach to learning. Interested in learning more? Contact Katelyn Cohen-Kivett, Director of Admissions & Marketing at kkivett@bnai-shalom.org.

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