"The Festival of Lights"
…is one way to refer to the holiday of Hanukkah. You can also call it Chanuka, or Hanukkah, or a number of other spellings, because the name is translated in many different ways from the Hebrew letters. This holiday celebrates freedom from persecution and religious suppression. Almost 2,000 years ago, the Jews fought their Greek oppressors and emerged victorious, even though they were greatly outnumbered. According to legend, when the Jews went to rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem, there was only one small flask of oil left to light the Menorah. It was only enough to last for one day, but it miraculously burned on for eight days – which is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days.
Hanukkah in Detail
Aish Hanukkah Introduction - Grades 4-12 - We suspect that this very nice introduction to Hanukkah was written for non-practicing Jews. As a result, it works for both Jews and non-Jews. You'll find information on the histoy of Hanukkah, descriptions and instructions for Hanukkah observances, and other information about Judaism.
Hanukkah: Festival of Lights - Grades 4-6 - This site covers a wide range of Hanukkah lore. History, Lights, Family, Songs, Games, Art – click on any one of these to find well-written explanations, great graphics, and lots of sounds. Traditional Hanukkah blessings and songs are written in Hebrew with translations provided, and you can listen to them as well. The Art page offers pictures of "Hanukkiyot," or artistic renditions of the Menorah. There is also a page of Hanukkah-related words and their meanings. A great site to discover many different ways to celebrate Hanukkah.
Hanukkah Traditions - Grades 3-8 - Here's a page that goes into a little more detail on the meaning and traditions of Hanukkah, making it ideal for older students who want to research this ancient Jewish Holiday. The games and celebrations section also has a nice feature on how to play (and score) a game of Dreidel.
Virtual Chanukah - Grades 3-8 - A Hanukkah site with lots of resources, information, and activities. There is also content to teach students the origin and meaning of this Jewish festival.
Learn the Menorah
That’s "Hanukkah" in Hebrew! - Grades 2-4 - This is a wonderful introductory site, especially if you have a sound card to hear the Hanukkah songs playing in the background. It gives a basic overview of history and present-day practices including the dreidel game and lighting the Menorah. You can also click onto each of the "eight nights of Hanukkah" to see which candles are lit on the Menorah and read the traditional prayer. The author gave this feature a personal touch by dedicating each night to a different person that brings "light to her life," since Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights. In the dedications, she explains who the person is and why they are so important to her – a very nice bonus lesson on appreciating the important people in our lives.
Hanukkah – Celebrate with Joi! - Grades 2-4 - A well-organized site with all the main aspects of Hanukkah written succinctly. The history and traditions of Hanukkah are covered, and the significance of the Menorah and the foods eaten during Hanukkah is explained. The Hanukkah blessings are written in Hebrew and English, with the option to listen to them if you have a sound card. This site also has some Hanukkah songs written in both Hebrew and English. Don’t forget to print out and color the artwork!
Make Your Own Dreidel!
Happy Chanuka! - Grades K-2 - A nice basic site with an easy-to-follow history, and explanation of the Menorah, and some songs and crafts. There are directions for and an explanation of the dreidel game -- kids can also sing along to the song "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel," and even spin a virtual dreidel (you must have or download RealVideo software first, which is available from the site). You can also print out a pattern to make your own dreidel, or print out Chanuka pictures to color for wrapping paper.
 The Dreidel Game – Grades K – 8 - Follow this simple set of instructions for making dreidels – traditional Hanukkah toys. Download the dreidel pattern, assemble as directed, and organize students into small groups for the dreidel game (rules included).
Christmas Sites
Kwanzaa Sites
Ramadan Sites
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