The Festival of Lights

A laser-beam menorah at the Ariel Sharon Park near Tel Aviv, Israel (2011)

The eight-day celebration of Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is a holiday of historical importance to Jewish believers. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which occurred during the second century B.C.E. during the Maccabean Revolt. The Maccabees were led by Mattathias and his son Judah Maccabee, and they were fighting not for their lives, but rather for freedom from religious persecution.

In 164 B.C.E., the Jewish people rebelled against their Greek-Syrian oppressors, who had attempted to place statues of Greek gods in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. According to the Talmud, the pure oil that remained for the rededication ceremony was only enough to give light for a single night -- but, miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days. Jewish celebrators of the holiday use the menorah (with its eight primary candles) to celebrate the eight days of the oil staying lit in the Jewish Temple.

This year, Hanukkah starts at sunset on Saturday, December 8, and continues until sunset on Sunday, December 16. Read on to see our suggestions for the best books -- for all ages! -- to help you celebrate (or simply learn more) about the Festival of Lights.

-- The Jewish Holiday Home Companion: A Parent’s Guide to Family Celebration by Nicolas D. Mandelkern and Vicki L. Weber

This small book is aimed at Jewish families and covers many Jewish holidays, but the brief information it contains would be good for anyone -- of any age -- who wants to learn more about this holiday.


-- Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Winter Holidays by Paul Steinberg

For a more in-depth look at Hanukkah, this book is ideal. Along with the history of the holiday, there are many essays regarding the significance of Hanukkah and interpretations of sacred texts. This book also takes a look at Tu B'shevat and Purim.

The National Menorah on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (2011)

-- Hanukkah: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration by Dr. Ron Wolfson

Primarily designed for Jewish families, this book is still chock-full of information for anyone wishing to learn more about Hanukkah. Along with the history of the holiday, there is information about celebrating (i.e. songs, prayers, and recipes). It also has a section called “The December Dilemmas,” which offers advice from real Jewish families on how to deal with celebrating Hanukkah during the (much-hyped) Christmas season.


-- The Hanukkah Book by Marilyn Burns

Discusses why and how Hanukkah is celebrated, and incudes recipes, songs, and instructions for playing with a dreidel.


-- We Celebrate Hanukkah by Bobbie Kalman

Explains the origins of Hannukkah, describes the customs and traditions associated with the holiday, and shares recipes, stories, poems, and games.

Trafalgar Square in London, England (2011)

-- Four Sides, Eight Nights: A New Spin on Hanukkah by Rebecca Tova Ben-Zvi

Provides young readers with an informative guide to the Jewish holiday through a review of its food, games, and many traditions.


-- Hanukkah Crafts by Karen E. Bledsoe

Perfect for families!  Includes guides to make such holiday crafts as Hanukkah symbol stamps, magnets, holiday cards, collage bookmarks, a Dreidel braided key chain, candle candy holders, a Star of David ornament, and more.

In front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany (2011)

-- Candlelight for Rebecca by Jacqueline Dembar Greene

This American Girl book (perfect for young middle school readers) takes a look at the life of a young Jewish girl living in 1914 New York. Rebecca is pleased to help her building's ailing superintendent take care of his homing pigeons -- but is unsure of what to do with the Christmas decoration her teacher insisted she make and take back to own Jewish home.


-- Hanukkah Counts Too by Howard Shapiro

This fun picture book reminds readers that there's more than one holiday this holiday season!


-- Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky 

Based on real events, author Stephen Krensky recounts a story of a Jewish soldier from Poland, who lights the menorah on the first night of Hanukkah -- during the Revolutionary War. The soldier goes on to share the story of Hanukkah, of the Maccabees and the miracle, with General George Washington himself.

In front of the Gateway of India monument in Mumbai (2011)

* Happy Hanukkah from Tracy and Ms. B!