A Guide To Chanukah

Christopher Alexander
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 7 minutes ago

Chanukah is a joyful holiday filled with light, tradition, and stories that have been passed down for generations. For young people, it offers a chance to connect with history, family, and community through fun and meaningful activities.

This guide will help kids, teens and adults understand what Chanukah is about, why it matters, and how it is celebrated today.

Eye-level view of a brightly lit menorah on a windowsill with colorful dreidels nearby — A menorah glowing with candles during Chanukah, surrounded by traditional dreidels

What Is Chanukah?

Chanukah, also spelled Hanukkah, is an eight-day Jewish festival that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago. The story begins when a small group of Jewish fighters, called the Maccabees, reclaimed the temple from a powerful ruler who had banned Jewish practices.

The miracle of Chanukah comes from the oil used to light the temple’s menorah. There was only enough oil to last one night, but it burned for eight nights. This is why Chanukah lasts for eight days and why lighting the menorah is central to the celebration. Chanukah is also known as the Festival of Lights.

Lighting the Menorah

The menorah is a special candle holder with nine branches. Each night of Chanukah, one more candle is lit until all eight are glowing, plus the shamash, the helper candle used to light the others.

Here’s how the menorah is lit:

The menorah is placed in a visible spot, like a window or table.
On the first night, the shamash candle is lit first.
The shamash candle is used to light the candle on the far right.
Blessings are said before lighting.
Each night, one more candle is added from right to left, lighting the newest candle first.

Lighting the menorah is a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the miracle of light and hope.

Fun Traditions During Chanukah

Chanukah is full of traditions that make the holiday fun and memorable for young people. Here are some popular ones:

Playing Dreidel

The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side. It’s a game that’s easy to learn and fun to play with friends and family.

Each player starts with an equal number of game pieces (coins, chocolate gelt, or candies).
Players take turns spinning the dreidel.
Depending on which letter lands face up, players win or lose pieces.
The game continues until one player has all the pieces.

The letters on the dreidel stand for the phrase “A great miracle happened there,” reminding players of the Chanukah story.

Eating Traditional Foods

Food is a big part of Chanukah celebrations. Many dishes are fried in oil to honor the miracle of the oil lasting eight days. Some favorites include:

Latkes: Potato pancakes served with applesauce or sour cream.
Sufganiyot: Jelly-filled doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar.
Cheese: In some traditions, cheese is eaten to remember the story of Judith, who helped save the Jewish people.

Giving and Receiving Gifts

While gift-giving is not originally part of Chanukah, many families have made it a fun way to celebrate. Small gifts or gelt (chocolate coins) are often given each night. This tradition encourages generosity and sharing joy with others.

Chanukah Songs and Prayers

Music and prayer bring the spirit of Chanukah to life. Many songs tell the story or celebrate the lights. Some popular songs include:

“Maoz Tzur” (Rock of Ages)
“I Have a Little Dreidel”
“Chanukah, Oh Chanukah”

A boy and girl making a Jewish star decoration.

Ways Chanukah Can Be Meaningful Today

Chanukah is not just about tradition; it’s also a chance to bring light into the world. Many people use the holiday to do something meaningful, such as:

Volunteer or Donate: Helping others by volunteering at a local charity or donating to those in need. Look at ways to help BGCCA!
Create Art or Crafts: Making a menorah, dreidels, or decorations to personalize the celebration.
Chanukah Party: Inviting friends and family to share food, games, and stories.
Learning About Jewish History: Reading books or watching documentaries about the Maccabees and the history behind Chanukah.

Wishing a Happy Chanukah to those who celebrate!

Chanukah offers a unique chance to celebrate light, resilience, and community. For young people, it’s a time to learn about history, enjoy traditions, and create new memories.