Celebrating Hanukkah: History, Traditions, and Activities – A Holiday Book for Kids
#3 of 8 in Holiday Books for Kids Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Celebrate Hanukkah with this fun introduction for kids ages 6 to 9. Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the victory of the Jewish people over the Greeks in 164 BCE. For eight days in November or December each year, this beloved holiday celebrates freedom, strength, and survival against the odds. This engaging book for kids explains the history, traditions, and customs of Hanukkah and includes interactive activities that encourage kids to get festive. Get kids excited to learn with this standout among Hanukkah books for children.
Discussion points
What are some traditions your family celebrates during Hanukkah, and why are they important to us?
How do the Hanukkah celebrations described in the book compare to the ways other cultures celebrate their holidays?
Why do you think it's important to remember and celebrate the history of Hanukkah each year?
Can you think of a favorite moment from the book that made you feel excited about Hanukkah?
How could we make our Hanukkah celebration special after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start a dialogue by asking your child how they feel about the Hanukkah traditions and if there’s anything new they’d like to incorporate.
Encourage your child to express which part of Hanukkah history resonates most with them and explore that topic further together.
Use the illustrations and activities in the book as a visual and interactive tool to deepen understanding and create a hands-on experience.
Share your own memories of celebrating Hanukkah to help your child connect personally and culturally with the holiday.
Propose reading the book together each year as a new family tradition to celebrate and revisit the themes of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity
Explanation: The book educates young readers about the history and traditions of Hanukkah, a significant Jewish festival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and appreciate different cultural practices, enhancing social harmony and understanding in diverse environments.
Example Lesson: Importance of family traditions
Explanation: Through the depiction of various family activities and rituals during Hanukkah, the book highlights the role of traditions in strengthening family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to participate in their own family's traditions or even help in creating new ones, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The story of the Maccabees’ struggle and victory, which is central to Hanukkah, serves as a powerful example of perseverance against odds.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist in their goals and endeavors despite difficulties, nurturing resilience from a young age.
Example Lesson: Generosity and giving
Explanation: The book discusses the tradition of gelt (gifts of money) and giving to those in need during Hanukkah, emphasizing the importance of generosity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to practice generosity not just during holidays, but as a regular part of life, helping to develop empathy and kindness.
Example Lesson: Learning through participation
Explanation: The book provides various Hanukkah-related activities that children can engage in, such as cooking latkes and playing dreidel.
Real-World Application: This hands-on approach can enhance children’s learning experiences, making education both fun and interactive.