Hanukkah, Oh, Hanukkah!

Wow! Can you believe that we are already starting to talk about Hanukkah? Yup, it is that time of year again. Even Target is on board this year with a great selection of Hanukkah decorations and gifts (at least at my Target in Emeryville)

(I Love this plate I saw there last week)

But on a more serious note, Hanukkah can be an overwhelming time for families. It can bring up feelings for kids and parents alike. Sometimes we feel left out, or like we have to compete with Christmas. In interfaith families it can be hard to juggle different traditions and emotions. This week and next week I will try to offer you some fun and interesting resources to help you sort it all out. . . though this is only the beginning there is so much out there  . . .so lets start at the beginning.

If you need help with the basics, such as the meaning of Hanukkah or the blessings, start here:
Interfaith Family: Guide to Hanukkah 

and there is even a great video about how to light the Hanukkah candles:

For those who are looking how to bring a little more meaning to Hanukkah gift giving here is a great article about how to decrease some of materialism of Hanukkah while still having fun: 


Ritual Well: Hanukkah Gifts


In this article Rabbi Rona Shapiro of Rituwell offers the following ideas for gift giving:

• Big Gift Night (when each child gets one big gift from us)
• Grandparent Night (when they open gifts from their grandparents)
• Book Night ( a book from us)
• Music Night (when we sing, sometimes with friends)
• Cooking Night (when we make latkes and enjoy them with friends)
• Tzedakah Night (when we wrap presents to deliver to a children's hospital or other charity)
• Homemade Gifts (lots are drawn before Chanukah and each member of the family makes a gift for someone else).

Obviously, there is room to do lots more here. Each year before Chanukah I draw up a list of which night will be what and post it on the refrigerator, so everyone knows what to expect."

Here is article about "The December Dilemma" and how Hanukkah's proximity to Christmas has influenced how it is received and celebrated. Great food for thought and really interesting reading. 

My Jewish Learning: December Dilemma 

 


And lastly, so you have plenty time to check them out for Isaiah's Library or your local library or to order online in time for gift giving, here are a couple of my favorite Hanukkah books for young kids:

Enjoy! I'm looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday 12/4 for a Family Day!!
-Suzan