From Encyclopædia Britannica Online: "Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) also spelled Ḥanukka, Chanukah, or Chanukkah, also called Feast of Dedication, Festival of Lights, or Feast of the Maccabees, [is a] Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December [or late November], according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival. Although not mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures, Hanukkah came to be widely celebrated and remains one of the most popular Jewish religious observances."
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by
A traveler rids a village synagogue of goblins by outwitting them. A Caldecott Honor Book.
The Tie Man's Miracle by
On the last night of Chanukah, after hearing how an old man lost his family in the Holocaust, a young boy makes a wish that is carried to God as the menorah candles burn down.
Encyclopedia of Jewish Folklore and Traditions by
This multicultural reference work on Jewish folklore, legends, customs, and other elements of folklife is the first of its kind.
Hanukkah by
Hanukkah, the eight day festival of lights, is one of the more joyous holidays in the Jewish calendar and has become among the more widely celebrated. It is particular favourite of children. Marking the first triumphant struggle ever waged for freedom of religion, Hanukkah has been a constant beacon of hope during the years fo travail in the Diaspora.
Feasting and Fasting by
Feasting and Fasting is an introduction to the foods and beverages that were a central part of how our ancestors celebrated important events. Long before the arrival of newcomers, the First Nations were celebrating the passages of life, the changing seasons, and the gifts of the Great Spirit with feasting. As settlers from around the world arrived on Canadas shores, they brought with them the memories and traditions from home. Diverse and unique culinary histories began to develop as the newcomers were unable to find some of their traditional ingredients and were forced to compromise. Wild game, fruit, plants, grains, vegetables, and maple sugar were often transformed from survival foods to the foods of celebration. Food brought families and communities together to pay tribute, to honour, to celebrate, to mourn, and to be comforted. This is a sampling of their events and what was on their tables at births, weddings, funerals, religious holidays, garden parties, and more!