Hanukkah, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev—part of the Hebrew calendar—and lasts eight days. This year Hanukkah is celebrated on December 20th until the 28th.
In 168 BCE the Temple of Jerusalem had been desecrated and Jews murdered by the Syrians, led by Antiochus IV. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE. When the Temple was being cleansed and rebuilt, there was only enough olive oil—needed for the menorah in the Temple which was required to burn throughout the night every night as part of the ceremony—to last one day, yet it burned for eight days.
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is observed by the lighting of the Menorah, a candelabrum with nine branches. Each night one candle is lit, continuing for eight nights. The ninth branch on the menorah, which is called the shamash, is typically positioned in the center and raised above the other branches; it is used to light the other candles.
The story of Hanukkah does not appear in the Torah because the events that the holiday commemorates occurred after the holy book was written. It is a relatively minor holiday in Jewish faith but due to its overlap with Christmas has, particularly in North America, grown into a larger commercial holiday.
The books in this feature are recently published titles to use in the classroom, library, and at home with young readers. To discover more titles search CLCD www.clcd.com for "Hanukkah." http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/th_hanukkah.php
Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah
Olga Ivanov and Aleksey Ivanov
Three generations of a Jewish family, plus their goofy dog, celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah with the “other” traditional song. Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah doesn't have quite the cachet of I Have a Little Dreidel with elementary school choirs, but perhaps this will give teachers an overdue alternative. The song sheet is printed in the front of the book with an after note that explains the tune's origin as a 19th century folk song to which Hebrew words were added. The joyous, smiling family lights the Hanukkiah and eats a traditional dinner that includes latkes with sour cream and apple sauce. Mom, dad, the kids and the dog dance a happy hora while the candles burn and the children open simple gifts, a flute and a dreidel. This brings to mind the Hanukkah Harry skit on Saturday Night Live where Jewish children got underwear for the holiday to explain why it doesn't compete with Christmas. However, the dog seems ecstatic with his holiday bone. Grandad, father, and son are wearing kippot for the celebration, but all indications are that this is a modernly observant family. The illustrations are the best part of the book—bright, cheery, and with a final reminder of the holiday's origins depicted by an ancient Hebrew family lighting candles in the son's imagination. Overall, this will be a winner for holiday sharing of an old, familiar song. 2011, The PJ Library/Marshall Cavendish Corporation, Ages 3 to 7, $12.99. Reviewer: Lois Rubin Gross (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780761458456
Snowfall led light: they seem like falling snow.Most of these lights are costly but durable and environment friendly. They give a special charm ton your Christmas decorations. They are widely available in the market.
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