Hanukkah Info and Fun For The Kids

Like all holidays, Hanukkah is celebrated according to traditions, and each Hanukkah table expresses rituals of family, culture and community.

The ritual lighting of the Menorah commemorates the miracle of the oil: the eight days and nights of light provided by a one-day supply of oil. Hanukkah foods are traditionally fried in oil: the scent of frying latkes, which are the uncontested centerpiece of any Hanukkah table, brings back memories of past Hanukkah celebrations.
This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 4th.


Here are few Hanukkah activities for children of various ages:

*Play the dreidel game, one of the oldest Hanukkah traditions.
*Sing Hanukkah songs.
*Share chocolate gelt (money). For older children, give real gelt that can be passed on to their favorite charity.
*Light the menorah: a new candle or oil burner is added each night. The newest candle is lit first, and then the rest. The menorah should be lit at sundown, with the entire family present. This is a great time to teach children Hanukkah songs.
*Make your own Hanukkah wrapping paper: cheap butcher paper can be decorated with *Hanukkah symbols. The Star of David, menorahs and dreidels are traditional favorites. Grandparents and relatives will be thrilled to receive gifts in such personalized wrappings.