11/30/2021
Happy Hanukkah!
Hanukkah, the Jewish celebration of light, is upon us once
again. This year it began at sundown on November 28th and ends at
sundown on December 6th. Each evening, another candle is lit in the
menorah to represent the miracle of the vial of oil found when rededicating the
Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian
Greek army. The vial only contained enough oil to light the lamp for one night,
yet it lasted for eight nights, hence the eight holy nights of Hanukkah.
In the Penworthy catalog, we currently have three books to
help kids celebrate Hanukkah. The first is a charming board book called
Hanukkah Bear, by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. In this little book, Bubba Brayna is making
latkes for the rabbi when Old Bear comes to her door. Bubba’s eyesight and hearing are not so good,
and she mistakes the bear for the rabbi, feeding him the latkes and thinking he
has said the Hanukkah blessing. What
will she do when the real rabbi shows up? Never fear, all ends well in this
lovely board book, perfect for reading to little ones. You can find it on our
website by clicking here.
For a more factual look at the holiday, the book Hanukkah by
Jessica Server is the perfect addition to your collection. Part of the Holidays
collection from Capstone, this book talks about the history of Hanukkah and how
it is celebrated in different cultures. It explains the differences between
Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews, shows children some of the special Hanukkah foods
served around the world, and explains how the dreidel is played and what gelt
is. At the back a glossary, bibliography, and list of internet sites where kids
can learn more give further opportunities for learning. A Penworthy Prebound
book, it comes with our quality guarantee and can be found here.
Step Into Reading offers the sweet level 2 book Is It Hanukkah
Yet, by Nancy Krulik, illustrated by Monique Dong. A little girl is preparing
for the first night of Hanukkah with her grandparents and she just cannot wait
for sunset. As she waits, she tells the reader about her favorite Hanukkah traditions,
including lighting the menorah, eating potato pancakes, playing games, and
singing a special song. At last, her parents come home, the sun has set, and it
is time to light the candles and celebrate Hanukkah, complete with a special
surprise for Mom and Dad. Another Penworthy Prebound book, it is found in our
catalog here.
However you celebrate Hanukkah this year, may your candles
burn bright this season!