Wednesday, December 1, 2010

December 1st..

The start of Chanukah this year is December 1st!

Hanukkah or Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in 164 B.C. Chanukah is observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.
The eight-day, 2,000-year-old holiday, also called the Festival of Lights, celebrates God's glory, an ancient victory of the Jews over their enemies, and the freedom Jews enjoy today.  According to tradition, a candelabra was lit with only enough oil for one day, but it miraculously burned for eight days.

To learn more about the holiday we recommend Jillian Powell's Hanukkah Why is this Festival Special?
This book explains the importance of the holiday and the meaning behind the symbols.

Picture Books:
The Miracle of the Potato Latke by Malka Penn, illustrated by Giora Carmi
Tanta Golda makes the best latkes in all of Russia to share with her friends at Hanukkah, and even when a poor harvest leaves her with no potatoes, she is certain that "God will provide."
While the Candle Burns by Barbara Diamond Goldin, illustrated by Elaine Greenstein
A collection of eight stories illuminating the meaning and the miracles of Hanukkah.
Web Resources:
We just discovered the creativity and amazing things that Creative Jewish Mom has to offer! Her site is full of unique crafts that are possible! Her Hanukkah crafts are available to try at home.

Hanukkah Printables Enjoy the eight-day Festival of Lights.



Chag Urim Sameach!
Have a happy Hanukkah!

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