A question for about introducing Chanukah

We are not of the Jewish faith; not even tied to anyone who is. I personally would love to know more than what I do about your holidays, traditions, etc..but that's for me.

My real question is this: for those of you in-the-know about such things, what would be appropriate for me to teach my daughter? I don't necessarily want to "observe" Chanukah traditionally, full on, because to me that would seem superficial and presumptive on my part. But I would like for her to be aware, and I would love to acknowledge it in some way. So what do you guys suggest?

Is there a children's book or story that lines it out well? What is "OK" for non-jewish peoples to do, or what would be considered offensive to you?

I hope I've worded this well, and that I'm not stepping on toes.

One question for my own curiosity, though: Why are there two spellings, Chanukah and Hanukkah, and is there any difference or preferred term?

myemmie, I think it's lovely that you want to do this. . .and I don't see how anyone could take offense. . .

there are probably a lot of kids' books that would give you the story. . .I don't have kids, though, so I can't recommend any particular one. . .

boc can probably give you a complete story, but in a major nutshell, when the Jews recaptured the temple after it had been taken over and desecrated, they wanted to rekindle the eternal flame that burned consecrated oil. . .there was only enough oil to last one night. . .and the closest place to get more was a 4-day journey away - and, of course, 4 days back. . .but they said we will go and get the oil, and in the meantime, we will burn the little that we have. . .God will understand. . .so they sent someone after the oil, and re-lit the lamp. . .and the oil burned for 8 days, until more arrived. . .

that's why it's celebrated for 8 days. . .on the first day, we light one candle (there is a second candle used to light the first, but that candle - the shamas - doesn't count); on the second day, we light two candles, etc.

traditionally, children receive gifts of "gelt" or money. . .sometimes real money, sometimes the chocolate coins covered in gold foil, or both. . .they play with the tops called dreidles. . .it was only after WWII that it became an "alternative to Christmas" so the kids wouldn't feel left out - and the merchants could increase sales. . .

I can't imagine anyone taking offense at your wanting to learn and teach your daughter about the holiday. . .if you have a temple near you, you could call and ask if there is a celebration planned. . .I'm sure you would be more than welcome. . .

as for the spelling, there are about 6 different ways I've seen. . .they are all an attempt to indicate the gutteral throat-clearing sound that Hebrew has that English doesn't. . .

Thanks, CCLady. I was at the library yesterday and found one cute book that I will try out. I was just wondering if someone might have a favorite or something particular that I wouldn't necessarily know. I know that Rugrats has a Chanukah special....LOL!

I did find a really neat Thanksgiving book, though. It's called "Nikomoh!" (sp?) And it's about the Native American traditions that predate and cornerstone the holiday. It's really sweet.

bump

We have many books for kids in our library about it. You may want to go ask your librarian for suggestions. Another thought is if there is a temple in your area call and ask the Rabbi for recommendations.

Chanukah is a fairly minor holiday, which gets a disproportionate amount of attention because of its proximity to Christmas. It's unusual for a Jewish holiday, in that it largely celebrates a military victory. But on another level it's about holding to what one believes. And there were 2 miracles.

Without consulting a bible, this is how I hold the story in my mind:

The Romans had conquered Jerusalem. Now, they had a clever way of integrating new territories. Rather than ban the existing religions, they would order the religious leaders to say the the Roman emperor was either a god or God's messenger. Most of the religious establishment chose to go along with this, rather than risk being killed.

One Rabbi, Mathias, would not give in to the demands, and disgusted with his colleages, he moved his large family to a remote area, where they recruited an army of resistance. The first miracle is that this tiny force of farmers, led by Mathias' son Judah, and armed initially only with farm tools, so harrassed the Roman army that they abandoned Jerusalem and returned to Rome.

Mathias, Judah and their followers went to the temple to pray and give thanks. But the Romans had used the temple as a warehouse, including for unkosher foods, so the Jews had to clean and resanctify the building. When this was done, they lit the Eternal Lamp, a symbol of God's everlasting gaze on his creation.

This lamp is suposed to be kept lit at all times in the temple (and in modern synagogues today). But there was only enough purified olive oil to keep it lit for one day, and it would take 8 days to get more oil. And thus the second miracle: This one small jar of oil burned 8 days and nights, and was still burning when the fresh oil arrived.

Jews celebrate Chanukah by lighting candles to represent the Eternal Lamp. One on the first night, increasing each night to show that each night it was more amazing, when they arrived at temple, to find that the light still glowed.

The candelabra is called a Chanukiah, or Chanukah Menorah. It actually holds nine candles, because each night a Shamos, or helper candle is lit by match or lighter, and it is used to light the other candles.

A major tradition on Chanukah is to eat fried foods, remembering the oil in the lamp. Eastern European Jews (Ashkenazi) traditionally make potato pancakes called Latkes, which are eaten with apple sauce and/or sour cream. Southern European and Arabic Jews feature Bimuelos, a fried doughnut dipped in orange syrup.

Exact names and spelling of words vary, because they are sometime given the Roman form, and sometimes in Hebrew, further complicated by the fact tht Hebrew uses a different alphbet.

Short of desecrating a temple, I can't think how you could give offense in explaining or celebrating this holiday.

Thanks to all. I did ask the children's librarian when I went, but she wasn't sure really; most of the stuff was more reference material than children's stories. I did find several, but my daughter is only 4 and they seemed more for older kids. There was one I have checked out, and another that I will probably get when this last person returns it.