Celebrate Hanukkah
Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that begins on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev, which usually falls during the month of December, but occasionally begins during November. In 2008, Hanukkah is celebrated from sundown on December 21 through sundown on December 29. (The observance of all Jewish holidays begins at sunset the previous day.)
Hanukkah (also commonly spelled "Chanukah") means "rededication" in Hebrew. Hanukkah refers to a second century (165 B.C.E.) conflict when Palestine was caught between two great Hellenistic powers: Egypt and Syria. This conflict divided the empire of Alexander the Great. Under Syrian power, there was a campaign to establish political and religious conformity by "Hellenizing" the Jews, forcing them to adopt Greek dress and customs. Even more serious, the Syrian emperor decreed that the Temple in Jerusalem, the national house of worship, would become a temple to the Greek god Zeus. A small band of soldiers led by Judah Maccabee staged a successful rebellion against the Syrians and rededicated the Temple. Hanukkah celebrates the restoration of religious freedom and the preservation of Jewish customs, as well as the traditional Jewish worship service.
Often called the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is one of the best known and most joyous holidays for the Jewish community. While not a particularly important religious occasion, Hanukkah is a special time for gathering and celebrating with family and friends. The "Festival of Lights" refers to the legend of a miracle that occurred during the rededication of the Temple. When the Jews sought to rekindle the menorah in the Temple sanctuary, they found only enough purified oil to last one day, yet miraculously, the small portion of oil burned for eight days--the length of time required to purify new oil.
During the eight days of Hanukkah, a candle is lit each night to commemorate the miracle of the oil in the Temple. Nine candles are arranged in a candelabra called a menorah--one for each night, plus the shamash or shammus (meaning servant), the candle used to light the others. Candles are lit from left to right, and the shamash is placed in the middle at a different height. Families gather at nightfall to rekindle the menorah flames, rededicate themselves to their faith, and share in festive meals. Blessings are sung or recited as the candles are lit. First, a special blessing for the Hanukkah lights, then a blessing for the miracles that happened long ago, and then the Shehehayanu--a blessing said on the first night of every Jewish holiday. It is customary to eat fried foods on Hanukkah because of the significance of oil to the holiday. Special potato pancakes fried in oil called latkes are served as a reminder of the miraculous oil.
Each night of Hanukkah may feature songs or readings, games and gifts ranging from "gelt" (money) to candy to other small presents. One Hanukkah tradition, especially for children, is playing the dreidel game with spinning tops. On each of the four sides of the dreidel, there is one of four Hebrew letters that stand for "Great Miracle Happened There."
The above is taken from the Hallmark site: http://corporate.hallmark.com/Holiday/Hanukkah
Reviews
Celebrate Hanukkah with Light, Latkes, and Dreidels
Deborah Heiligman
There are many existing books about Hanukkah, but this one takes the subject one step further than most. The origins and ceremonies of the holiday are explained in detail, but what makes the book so special is the inclusion of photographs and interesting facts about Hanukkah celebrations around the world. The author's use of "we" creates a spirit of inclusion regarding the Jewish holiday. The photos are warm and inviting, and they show the vast array of Hanukkiah (also known as menorah) lighting ceremonies across the continents. Readers will learn about the miracle of the oil and how oil is celebrated today through special foods eaten during the celebration. Special features include a fact list, directions for the menorah lighting ceremony, a potato latke recipe, directions for playing dreidel, detailed additional sources, a glossary, and a message from Rabbi Shira Stern. People of all cultures will enjoy this introduction to one of the world's most beloved holidays. This book will be especially beneficial in a classroom setting. 2008, National Geographic Society, Ages 4 to 8, $6.95. Reviewer: Renee Biermann (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 0-7922-5924-6
ISBN: 0-7922-5295-4
ISBN: 978-1-4263-0
Hanukkah Haiku
Harriet Ziefert
Paintings by Karla Gudeon
For each of the eight days of Hanukkah, Ziefert has written a 15-syllable haiku-like statement about the holiday. As each page is turned, another candle on the menorah is revealed by a cut of the page, and another typical event of the celebration is noted. The roles of the shamash, the dreidel, gelt, latkes, and family joy are all succinctly recalled. Finally, all candles are shown lit on day number eight, followed by a double page of dancing fun and “Happy Hanukkah!” The happy spirit of this holiday is previewed on the jacket with dancers, scattered decorative elements and candlelit menorah. End pages are even more filled with finely detailed dreidels, flowers, etc., while the title page introduces us to the dancing family. On one side of each double page is the menorah with the added candle, while on the other side are stylized illustrations of each day’s activities, and wildly decorative folk-like borders. The final pages offer the Blessing of the Hanukkah Candles, with both English and transliterated Hebrew texts. 2008, Blue Apple Books, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-934706-33-6
ISBN: 1-934706-33-7
The Hanukkah Mice
Steven Kroll
Illustrated by Michelle Shapiro
A family of mice watches as Mr. Silman lights the first Hanukkah candle for his family. Rachel, the Silman family's daughter, unwraps a huge present. It is a doll house. While Rachel gleefully thanks her parents, the mice observe that the house is just their size. Hmmm! Each night throughout Hanukkah, Rachel receives a piece of furniture for the house. The mice enjoy each new treasure as it is placed in the house. The mice are even more surprised to find tiny latkes. Then dreidels. A tablecloth. Where are these presents coming from? On the last night of Hanukkah, Rachel receives a tiny menorah. “Perfect!” she says. That night, Papa mouse puts on his kippa, the mouse family lights their menorah, says prayers, and eats a holiday feast. As they again wonder about the source of all this goodness, the reader discovers the gift giver smiling from under her covers. A lovely story has been written that demonstrates that, though it is fun to receive, there is more joy in giving and that happiness comes from focusing one's life on something bigger than oneself. The story carries out the theme of Hanukkah: the Jews received a gift that lasted eight days and that was beyond their expectations; they were left in wonderment about its Source. So it is with the mice. The art work is charming. 2008, Marshall Cavendish Children's Books, $14.99, Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Ali Fell (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-5428-1
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5428-1
A Hanukkah Present
Mark Binder
A Hanukkah Present is a compilation of original short stories that pays homage to classic Judaic storytellers. Binder has created characters and plots that read like authentic Jewish tales that have been passed down from generation to generation. Parents and grandparents will enjoy reading selections aloud and retelling the stories with or without the original text. One of the best in this colorful collection, “The Challah That Ate Chelm,” about a baker’s apprentice named Muddle, is witty and charming. Muddle is the proverbial good hearted ne’er-do-well whose enormous challah destroys the baker’s oven, and nearly the entire town. Despite the damage, there is no retribution. Instead the town takes up a collection for poor Muddle to find himself a new business. Several stories focus on a “Chanukah Bush” in the home of a rabbi. While the explanations are clever, this storyline might not be appropriate in more traditional homes. A Hanukkah Present is a fine example of Jewish tradition with a wink. It offers the young generation a peek into the past, with humor and a bit of schmaltz. For parents, teachers, and librarians who enjoyed The Jar of Fools: Eight Hanukkah Stories from Chelm by Eric Kimmel, A Hanukkah Present would be a nice alternative selection. A Hanukkah Present is appropriate for most Judaic collections. Category: Holidays. 2007, Light Publications, 128pp., $19.95. Ages 10 to adult. Reviewer: Barbara Bietz (Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter, February/March 2008 (Vol. 27, No. 3)).
ISBN: 9780970264268
ISBN: 0970264267
Harvest of Light
Allison Ofanansky
Photographs by Eliyahu Alpern
A little Israeli girl helps her family gather and prepare olives for use. Finally, the family enjoys their produce as food on the dinner table and as oil, which provides light for their menorah during Hanukkah. The book is meant to teach children about the process involved in rending olives to be of use to humans, but delightful, personal details are threaded through the narrative so that the reader becomes involved with the little girl who tells the story. The author is able to paint vivid pictures of the girl's loving involvement with her family and with her work. The writing is clean, but not simplistic; it is supplemented by colorful, well-composed, and instructive photographs that can just be appreciated or can be used with small children as stimuli for question-answer learning sessions. Perhaps best of all for caregivers who read this book to very young children, even adults can learn from the content of the book and will probably find it interesting. The publisher, Kar-Ben, has demonstrated a dedication to the making of high-quality books about Israel. The pages are made of high-grade paper and the book is constructed for long wear. 2008, Kar-Ben Publishing, $15.95, Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Ali Fell (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8225-7389-0
Harvest of Light
Allison Ofanansky
Photographs by Eliyahu Alpern
In this nonfiction story, a young girl helps her mother and father prepare olive oil in Israel. The book opens with the spring-time blossoming of tiny white flowers in the family olive grove. The girl follows the fruit as it ripens, picking and preparing the first green olives for eating in early fall, followed later by the harvesting of oil-rich black olives. She describes the careful hand-sorting and the crushing and pressing done by big stones and large machines. The full-color photographs personalize the first-person narration, and young readers will enjoy learning both from the succinct text and the images of changing olives and family tasks. The importance of the oil to Hanukkah is simply and beautifully conveyed by the father, who reminds his daughter that “the same kind of oil … was used to light the Temple menorah in Jerusalem long ago.” 2008, Kar-Ben, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8225-7389-0
Jodie's Hanukkah Dig
Anna Levine
Illustrated by Ksenia Topaz
Jodie is a young Israeli girl who wants to become an archeologist just like her dad. Her father finally responds positively to her repeated pleas to be allowed to do some archeological work. At his dig, it is discovered that Jodie has a unique talent needed by the field scientists. She is given an opportunity to actively participate in archeological research and, in the process, learns to overcome some of her fears. She discovers an artifact at the dig left by humble Jewish revolutionaries, the Maccabees, who realized military success against the powerful Greeks during the fourth century BC. Young Jodie’s realization of her own strength takes place in Israel during the Hanukkah holidays, which celebrate the Maccabees. The book communicates well, through both words and illustrations, the unique feel of Israeli culture. A reader who picks up this book has an opportunity to learn something about Israelis, about archeology, about the wisdom of persevering in efforts to develop one’s interests and talents, and about how to contain unpleasant emotions in order to accomplish a desired purpose. It provides reinforcement for dreamers who want to translate those dreams into real life. And the adorable cocker spaniel that follows Jodie everywhere is a heart-warmer. While five year olds cannot read this book without adult help, children who have had more reading practice will probably find this an easy and inspiring read. 2008, Kar-Ben Publishing/Lerner Publishing Group, $17.95, Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Ali Fell (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8225-7391-3
ISBN: 0-8225-7391-1
Jodie’s Hanukkah Dig
Anna Levine
Illustrated by Ksenia Topaz
Jodie wants to be an archeologist like her father so when he suggests visiting a site close to their neighborhood in Jerusalem, Jodie leaps at the chance. As her mother prepares for Hanukkah at home, Jodie and her dad drive to the place where Judah Maccabee fought against the Syrians. Jodie even volunteers to help the lead archeologist explore an underground cave, thereby discovering an artifact from the past. Approaching Hanukkah from this new perspective, author Anna Levine offers fresh insight into the holiday as well as facts about archeology. Ksenia Topaz’s illustrations capture Jodie’s adventurous spirit, the sun-washed quality of the surrounding landscape and the look of the limestone cave. 2008, Kar-Ben, Ages 4 to 8, $17.95. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8225-7391-3
Letter on the Wind: A Chanukah Tale
Sarah Marwil Lamstein
Illustrated by Neil Waldman
In a faraway village there will not be enough oil to last for the entire eight-day Chanukah festival. Hayim, the poorest man in the village asks the scribe to write a letter to the Almighty asking for help. Without the means to help his neighbors, Hayim relies on prayer. Not only does he suffer the ridicule of his neighbors for believing his letter will help, but when his prayer is answered he also suffers the humiliation of being named a thief. This gorgeously illustrated retelling of the Chanukah story reminds us that miracles only happen when we have faith. Hayim’s miracle has a logical, worldly explanation that conveys the importance of generosity of spirit, neighborliness, and integrity. Waldman’s lush paintings pull us into Waldman’s rich parable. In the background of many paintings, the village’s houses smile, cry, frown, or celebrate to reflect the spirit of the village. While this detail might at first seem a bit quaint, by the end of the book we understand that they convey the wholesome meaning of a community united by faith. 2007, Boyds Mills Press, $16.95, Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Ilene S. Goldman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-932425-74-1
ISBN: 1-932425-74-8
The Miracle Jar: A Hanukkah Story
Audrey Penn
Illustrated by Lea Lyon
Outside it’s heavy with snow; inside the house it’s warm and cozy. It’s also the first night of Hanukkah--perhaps a hundred years ago--in “the Old Country.” Eight-year-old Sophie and younger brother Ruben are so excited about the upcoming celebration they offer their gifts ahead of time: Sophie sweeps floors and Ruben polishes the cherished brass menorah their grandfather crafted fifty years earlier. Along with lighting the family heirloom, Sophie eagerly anticipates another holiday tradition: a different fried treat each night of Hanukkah. Her mother is willing – but there’s an unexpected hitch: they’re almost out of cooking oil, and can’t get more because of the snow. Naturally this coincidence leads Dad to explain the miracle of long ago when the Maccabees’ scant amount of oil lasted eight days. The tale inspires Sophie to try for a similar miracle: making their own oil last through the holiday. For the next seven nights, the menorah is lit, the dreidl spun, and traditional fare like potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts prepared and enjoyed. But by the last night, all the oil is gone… or is it? Penn enables the reader to identify with Sophie and her world, transcending time and place with her gentle, warm storytelling. The artwork imparts a soft, old-fashioned quality that complements the story nicely. The only disappointment was the complete lack of recipes. Not only would it have opened up a fun cooking opportunity; it would have been interesting to see and try recipes from so long ago. 2008, Tanglewood Press, $16.95, Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Naomi Milliner (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-933718-16-3
The Temple Lamp and Other Stories
Anita Ganeri
Illustrations by Ruth Rivers
Four stories of the Jewish faith are told: the story of Joseph, Moses in the bulrushes, Esther, and the temple lamp. Large print and simple language are used. In the story of Esther the text reads: “Haman was always polite to the king, but very rude to other people. Nobody liked him.” The bright, colorful pictures show Joseph wearing his special coat at the beginning and end of the story. Notes at the end for parents and teachers reference the stories in the Bible and Talmud, give further information on the meanings of the stories, ways to enhance the reading with costumes, and decorations for the celebration of Hanukkah. This is part of the “Stories from Faith” series. Through these stories Jewish children and children of other faiths will learn something of Judaism. This may help children and parents of other religions overcome anxiety about the unknown. This is a good selection for libraries. 2007, QEB Publishing, $27.10, Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-59566-376-4
For reviews of Hanukkah book from previous years, click on the following links:
2007
2006
2003
2000
1999
Updated 11/27/08
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