What Is Hanukkah?
This Spark introduces families to Hanukkah, exploring its ancient story of resilience and miracles. Discover the traditions like lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel, and enjoying special foods, all connected to a powerful message of hope and dedication.
The lesson goal is learners will understand the incredible tale of courage and miracles that inspired Hanukkah. They will also discover the special traditions like the menorah and dreidel, and learn how these ancient events continue to bring joy and hope to families today.
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Ask your child: 'What happened over 2,000 years ago that Jewish families still celebrate with eight nights of light?'
- Move on when Student has shared initial thoughts or guesses about the hook question.
Photo by Element5 Digital on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Lay out the printable worksheet and coloring supplies. If no print, draw a simple menorah.
- Ask your child: 'What do you notice first on this page? What do you think this special candle holder is called?'
- Encourage them to start coloring the menorah as you talk about its shape and the number of candles.
- Move on when Student has started coloring the menorah and discussed initial observations about the worksheet.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Tell the story of the Maccabees, the Holy Temple, and the oil that lasted eight nights.
- Introduce: **Menorah** (special 9-branched candle holder), **Shamash** (the helper candle), **Dreidel** (spinning top), **Latkes** (fried potato pancakes).
- Ask: 'How does lighting candles for eight nights connect to the story we just heard?'
- Ask: 'Why do you think eating fried foods, like yummy potato pancakes, is part of celebrating Hanukkah?'
- Move on when Student can explain the basic Hanukkah story and connect at least two traditions (e.g., menorah, fried food) to it in their own words.
Photo by Boris Hamer on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Introduce the dreidel. Explain it's a spinning top with Hebrew letters meaning 'A great miracle happened there.'
- If you have a dreidel, demonstrate spinning it. If not, use a pencil to 'spin' a drawing.
- Use coins or candies as 'gelt.' Explain simple rules: take all, take half, take none, put one in.
- Play a few simple rounds, focusing on the fun and the story connection.
- Move on when Student has participated in a round or two of the dreidel game (or simulated it) and understands its basic connection to Hanukkah.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Ask: 'What was the most interesting or surprising thing you learned about Hanukkah today?'
- Ask: 'How does light connect to the story of the oil lasting for eight days?'
- Move on when Student shares one key takeaway or connection from the lesson.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
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