Hanukkah: Festivals and Holidays
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Hanukkah: Festivals and Holidays by June Behrens likely provides an overview of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. The book may discuss the historical background of the holiday, including the story of the Maccabees and their struggle for religious freedom against the Seleucid Empire. It might explain the miracle of the menorah and the significance of lighting the candles for eight nights. The book could also cover traditional Hanukkah customs such as playing dreidel, eating foods fried in oil like latkes and sufganiyot, and the giving of gifts. Additionally, the author may explore the holiday's themes of resilience, faith, and the triumph of light over darkness, as well as its contemporary significance and how it is celebrated around the world. The narrative also follows the members of the Goldwasser family as they prepare for and celebrate the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah.
Age
3-8
Length
31 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of the traditions that people follow during Hanukkah and why do you think they are important?
Can you think of a time when you felt particularly proud of your heritage, just like the characters in the book during Hanukkah?
How does the celebration of Hanukkah help bring families and communities together?
What new things did you learn about Hanukkah from this book?
If you could add a new tradition to our Hanukkah celebration, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on and connect personal or family traditions with those described in the book to make the discussion more relatable.
Highlight the values of perseverance and community shown in the book, and ask your child how those values can be applied in their own life.
Ask open-ended questions that invite your child to think critically and share their thoughts and feelings about the festival.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to enhance understanding and spark interest in the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book educates children about the traditions and significance of Hanukkah, giving them a glimpse into Jewish cultural practices.
Real-World Application: Children can become more accepting and respectful of different cultural beliefs and practices they encounter in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: Through the depiction of family gatherings and shared rituals, the book emphasizes the value of spending time and celebrating with loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cherish and prioritize family time, fostering stronger family bonds in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Historical Insight
Explanation: By explaining the history behind Hanukkah, children gain an understanding of historical events that shaped traditions.
Real-World Application: This historical knowledge enriches a child’s academic foundation and can spark interest in learning about other historical events and their significance.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The story of Hanukkah presents themes of overcoming difficulties and the power of faith, as demonstrated by the miracle of the oil.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay resilient and hopeful even in challenging situations, applying this perseverance to personal challenges in school or other activities.