All about Hanukkah

Long ago, in the land of Israel, there was a special celebration called Hanukkah. It is a holiday that Jewish people celebrate to remember a brave group of people called the Maccabees. The Maccabees fought against a king who wanted everyone to follow his rules and not practice their own religion. The Maccabees believed in freedom of religion and they fought bravely to protect their beliefs. After three years of fighting, the Maccabees finally won and reclaimed their temple in Jerusalem.

When they went to light the menorah in the temple, they only found enough oil to last for one day. But a miracle happened! The oil ended up lasting for eight days, which was enough time for more oil to be made. That's why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, lighting a special candle on a menorah each night.

During Hanukkah, Jewish families also play dreidel, eat delicious potato pancakes called latkes, and give and receive gifts. It's a time to remember the brave Maccabees and the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. Happy Hanukkah!

  1. Why is Hanukkah celebrated for eight days?
  2. Who were the Maccabees and why are they remembered during Hanukkah?
  3. What miracle happened with the oil during the Hanukkah story?
  4. How do Jewish families celebrate Hanukkah?
  5. If you were a Maccabee, what other ways could you have celebrated the victory besides lighting the menorah?

Symbols and Traditions

Sure! Hanukkah is a special holiday celebrated by Jewish people. It lasts for eight days and usually happens in December. One important symbol of Hanukkah is the menorah, a special candle holder with nine branches. Each night of Hanukkah, a candle is lit on the menorah to remember a miracle that happened long ago.

The story goes that a long time ago, the Jewish people were not allowed to practice their religion freely. But a small group of brave fighters, called the Maccabees, fought for their freedom. When they finally won, they wanted to rededicate their temple, but they only had enough oil for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which is why Hanukkah lasts for eight days too.

During Hanukkah, families also play a game called dreidel, which is a spinning top with Hebrew letters on it. They also eat special foods like potato pancakes called latkes and jelly-filled donuts called sufganiyot.

Overall, Hanukkah is a joyful time for families to come together, light candles, exchange gifts, and celebrate the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days.

  1. Who were the brave fighters that fought for freedom during Hanukkah?
  2. What is the significance of the menorah in Hanukkah celebrations?
  3. Why do Jewish families light candles on the menorah each night?
  4. What is the story behind the miracle of the oil during Hanukkah?
  5. How do families celebrate Hanukkah besides lighting candles?

My Family and Hanukkah

Hi, my name is Zoe and I'm 8 years old. Today, I want to share with you all about how my family celebrates Hanukkah. Sure! Hanukkah is a special holiday celebrated by Jewish people. It lasts for eight days and usually happens in December. One important symbol of Hanukkah is the menorah, a special candle holder with nine branches. Each night of Hanukkah, a candle is lit on the menorah to remember a miracle that happened long ago.

  1. The story goes that a long time ago, the Jewish people were not allowed to practice their religion freely. But a small group of brave fighters, called the Maccabees, fought for their freedom.
  2. When they finally won, they wanted to rededicate their temple, but they only had enough oil for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which is why Hanukkah lasts for eight days too.
  3. During Hanukkah, families also play a game called dreidel, which is a spinning top with Hebrew letters on it.
  4. They also eat special foods like potato pancakes called latkes and jelly-filled donuts called sufganiyot.
  5. Overall, Hanukkah is a joyful time for families to come together, light candles, exchange gifts, and celebrate the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days.

Comparing Hanukkah to another Festival

After learning all about Hanukkah, is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Hanukkahand think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Hanukkah
A full set of teaching plans for Hanukkahteaching.