Hanukkah: Traditions & Celebrations
Traditions & Celebrations Series
What’s inside...
Explore the rich traditions and history of Hanukkah through the eyes of a young protagonist who learns the importance of family and heritage. This book provides an engaging narrative that captures the spirit of the Hanukkah festival with its detailed illustrations and insightful storytelling. Hanukkah, often called the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration that honors a war Jewish people won, allowing them to freely practice their religion. During Hanukkah, people light the menorah, sing songs, gather with family and friends to eat special food, and give gifts. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What traditions in the book do you find interesting and why?
How do the celebrations in the book compare to our family's holiday traditions?
What does Hanukkah mean to the people celebrating it in the story?
Can you think of ways we can incorporate some of these traditions into our holiday celebrations?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the Hanukkah traditions to your family's traditions to help your child make personal connections.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the celebrations and traditions described in the book.
Ask your child to draw or create something inspired by the Hanukkah celebrations they learned about, fostering creativity alongside comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding cultural diversity
Explanation: The book dives into the traditions and celebrations of Hanukkah, providing a window into the Jewish culture.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultural practices and beliefs they encounter in their communities.
Example Lesson: The importance of family traditions
Explanation: Through the story, children see how Hanukkah is celebrated with family gatherings, emphasizing the value of family customs.
Real-World Application: Kids can participate in or even initiate family traditions, understanding their significance in building family bonds.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The history of Hanukkah involves the story of the Maccabees' perseverance, which is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persist in the face of challenges whether it’s in their studies, sports, or personal interests.
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: Gift-giving during Hanukkah helps illustrate acts of kindness and sharing.
Real-World Application: Children can practice generosity by sharing their toys, spending time with friends, and helping out at home.