Eight Nights of Lights: A Celebration of Hanukkah
What’s inside...
Happy Hanukkah! Celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah with this interactive menorah and storybook set. Follow a young Jewish girl and her family as they decorate their home, say blessings, enjoy traditional foods and games, and gather to hear about the Maccabees' victory. Flip the book over to 'light' the candle and place it back in the menorah to commemorate each night of the Festival of Lights!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some traditions that your family celebrates during Hanukkah and how do they make you feel?
How does the story show the importance of family and community during the festival?
Can you think of ways to share the spirit of Hanukkah with friends who might not celebrate it?
What did you learn about the history of Hanukkah from the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the Hanukkah traditions in the book with your own family traditions, fostering a personal connection to the story.
Discuss the significance of each night of Hanukkah as depicted in the book to deepen understanding of the festival's values.
Use the illustrations in the book as conversation starters, asking your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of tradition
Explanation: The story showcases a family's celebration of Hanukkah, emphasizing the rituals and traditions that mark this special time.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and participate in their own family's traditions, understanding how these practices build a sense of belonging and identity.
Example Lesson: Practice of gratitude
Explanation: Throughout the eight nights, family members express gratitude for the simple joys and blessings, highlighting the value of being thankful.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express gratitude daily, recognizing and appreciating the good in their lives, fostering a positive outlook.
Example Lesson: Generosity and giving
Explanation: Gift-giving during Hanukkah in the story illustrates acts of kindness and generosity, reinforcing the joy found in giving to others.
Real-World Application: Kids can engage in acts of kindness, whether by sharing toys with friends or participating in community service, learning the importance of giving back.
Example Lesson: Resilience and hope
Explanation: The historical backdrop of Hanukkah introduces themes of resilience and hope against odds, illustrated by the miraculous oil that burned for eight days.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to remain hopeful and resilient in challenging situations, understanding that patience and persistence can lead to unexpected outcomes.
Example Lesson: Family togetherness
Explanation: The book portrays the family spending each night of Hanukkah together, engaging in activities that strengthen their bonds.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of spending quality time with family, nurturing relationships that provide support and love.