▷ What Is Hanukkah For Kids?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday observed over eight nights and days in the winter each year. It commemorates the miraculous victory of the Jewish people over the Syrian-Greeks in 165-164 BCE. It is celebrated with joyous events, family gatherings, and special religious rituals. Kids of all ages can participate in the holiday’s traditions, providing them with a chance to learn about their heritage and the miracles that took place in the past.

<h2>The History of Hanukah</h2>

Hanukkah is more than a holiday—it is a celebration of an incredible moment in history. In the second century BCE, a small band of Jewish freedom fighters, called the Maccabees, fought against the Syrian-Greeks who ruled Judea. Despite being vastly outnumbered, they successfully drove their oppressors from their homeland and rededicated the Holy Temple to God. In celebration of this victory, the people lit an oil lamp in the temple, which miraculously stayed lit for eight nights and days.

<h3>Hanukkah Traditions</h3>

Each night of Hanukkah, families gather to celebrate with religious rituals as well as festive activities. Here are a few meaningful traditions that kids can enjoy during the holiday:

<ul>

<li><strong>Lighting the Candles:</strong> Each night of Hanukkah, families gather around the Hanukkiah (a special nine-branched candelabra) to light a candle. An extra candle, called the ‘shammash’ or ‘servant,’ is used to light the others and typically has a different color.</li>

<li><strong>Reciting Blessings:</strong> After different blessings are recited, the candles are lit. Kids can listen to their parents’ blessings, and can even learn some of the words themselves. </li>

<li><strong>Playing Dreidel:</strong> This popular game involves spinning a top called a dreidel—and the letter it lands on determines if you gain or lose some of the game pieces. </li>

<li><strong>Gifts and Gelt:</strong> Hanukkah presents and money (called “gelt”) are common gifts during this holiday. </li>

<li><strong>Making Latkes:</strong> Latkes are special potato pancakes fried in oil—a reminder of the miracle of the oil that stayed lit for eight days. Kids can help to make this popular holiday food together with their family. </li>

</ul>

Hanukkah is a meaningful traditional holiday that allows families to come together, celebrate their faith, and teach the importance of faith and perseverance. Most importantly, it is filled with activities— like lighting the candles, reciting blessings, playing games and eating delicious food—that kids of all ages can enjoy as part of the celebration.

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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.