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Let’s Learn About Hanukkah

Hanukkah is not as big of a deal as Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, but it feels weird to leave this holiday out (especially since we’re celebrating frivolous stuff like Danny DeVito Day). Also there are so many children’s books about Hanukkah. But more importantly – seeing how, why, and the meaning behind these observances help us understand the shared values and practices we have in common with our Jewish friends and family.

The only spectacular Hanukkah books I can find feature white Jewish characters, including Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas (a multiracial South Asian non-Jewish parent paired with a white Jewish parent). Add your favorite book suggestions below if you know good suggestions to de-whitewash Hanukkah.

When is it?

• The 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, continuing for eight days and nights. Usually falls on November or December.

Read:

• Oskar and the Eight Blessings (ages 4.5+)
• Simon and the Bear (ages 5-9)
• Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (ages 4+)
• Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas (ages 3.5-7)

Take Action:

• Grownups: Register for free virtual bystander training: Bystander Intervention to Stop Antisemitic Harassment. November 2nd, 14th & 29th, 2023
• Jewish-American youth: Join a campaign or local chapter of IfNotNow, a movement of American Jews organizing our community for equality, justice, and a thriving future for all.

Additional resources to dig deeper into this topic:

• Helping Kids See The Good In Folks with ‘Oskar And The Eight Blessings’
• How Kids Find Hope In Hard Times With ‘Simon And the Bear’
• Hanukkah Stories for Gentiles & Interfaith Families
• Gathering with family causing holiday stress? Listen to the Come Back to Care podcast on How my Parents & I are breaking our family cycles together