Two children at a lit menorah/Photo from Microsoft Corporation

This coming Friday night at sundown marks the start of the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22 NIV Study Bible), Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights. For many Jewish children and their families this next week marks an important and miraculous event in Jewish and Christian history.

In understanding this holiday we need not look any farther than our Jewish brothers and sisters, friends and relatives. As parents and teachers I encourage you to share some of the children’s literature and traditions about Hanukkah. Learn about this holy time of year and what it means to our fellow Jewish neighbors and friends and what it means to Christians. Do not forget the Christians’ messiah, Jesus, was Jewish and celebrated this Feast of Dedication.

A few of the selected books include The Chanukkah Guest by Eric A. Kimmel, an amusing story about a very old lady named Bubba Brayna [or Grandmother] who mistakenly shares her first night of Hanukkah with a hungry bear. Also Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story by Fran Manushkin a heartwarming tale about a family who shares their eight nights of Hanukkah with a stray cat and dog. And amid a snowstorm a miracle comes to them. And Our Eight Nights of Hanukkah by Michael J. Rosen, a more modern story about a family amongst many other families who share Hanukkah with family, friends, fellow Jewish families and non- Jewish friends. This story is a great picture of how cultural and religious celebrations can be shared, respected and honored with everyone.

So, as you and your little ones light the menorah this Friday, share in the history, the gift, the miracle and the hope. Share this celebration with family, friends and learn about one another in a new way. 

For more info: 
Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
Hanukkah Story
Hanukkah for kids
History of Hanukkah