“Isaac’s mom taught us how to play dreidel today,” my daughter reported after I picked her up from a playdate. “We also got to help put up Hanukkah decorations and set up the menorah!” She was excited that our families would be celebrating the holiday together in a few days, as we had done the year before.
The festival of Hanukkah commemorates an event long ago in history when Jewish rebels were resisting a Greek incursion into their territory. Like the Ukraine-Russia war today, that long ago battle was about freedom from oppression and the right to define one’s own cultural identity. It was a difficult struggle, requiring perseverance on the part of the Jewish people.
The basic story goes like this: King Antiochus IV decreed that Jews could not worship or study their faith. He also took over their holy site in Jerusalem and turned it into a place for honoring the Greek god, Zeus. A Jewish priest and his sons rebelled. Led by Judah Maccabee, they fought the Greeks and recaptured the Temple. When they went to relight the lamp that symbolizes God’s eternal presence, they discovered there was only a small jar of oil – not enough to keep the lamp burning until more oil could be obtained. But miraculously, the lamp continued to burn for eight days instead of the one day they expected.
For Jewish families, celebrating Hanukkah provides an opportunity to remember their heritage and acknowledge God’s presence with them in times of adversity. It also serves as a counterpoint to the Santa mania of the wider culture. Families from other religious traditions (or no particular tradition) can also appreciate the messages of resistance and perseverance within the story.
Children may especially appreciate hearing about the bravery and tenacity of the Maccabees. Invite them to research Judah Maccabee and his father, Mattathias, to learn more about their commitment to retake the Temple. Then suggest that they think of ways they might want to fight for change in their community. Sketch out a plan (like Judah Maccabee did) and work together to implement it.
Kids may also wonder why it was so important that there be oil for the lamp to burn continually. Talk about the power of symbols to support resistance movements. Draw (or look up) pictures of other symbols that people have used when resisting oppression. Or create a symbolic image that your family can use to remind you to persevere when things get tough.
Another way to engage the power of the Hanukkah story is to embrace the image of light as a beacon of hope. Brainstorm little things that you can do to make the world a better place. Put an electronic candle on a table or in a window and tuck your list under or beside it. Then light your candle nightly during the winter months to remind you to live into your hopes and ideas. Keep a store of batteries handy so your light can always shine through the darkness.
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