Watch with Your Kids: The Hanukkah Shaboom! Special

Lickety latke! Disappearing donuts, giant spinning dreidels, and an impromptu party are all part of this miracle-filled Hanukkah episode from Shaboom!

Magical Sparks Gabi and Rafael slide down their cloud playhouse rainbow to help the Plony family get ready for an unexpected Hanukkah visit from the Baloney family. With only an hour’s notice, time is slowed down for some and sped up for others. Miraculously, the candles are lit, donuts and latkes are fried in oil, and all the neighbors are invited to a street party illuminated by the light of a giant Hanukkah menorah!

After you've watched this episode with your children, try some of these discussion ideas and activities to extend the lessons learned in the videos. 

Questions: 

• One of the Jewish values the Plony family expressed is hachnasat or'chimHachnasat or'chimהַכְנָסַת אוֹרְחִיםLiterally, “welcoming guests;” the religious obligation to offer hospitality to those in need and to welcome guests into our homes and communities. Tradition teaches that the Biblical patriarch Abraham’s tent was always open to passersby, and he is often portrayed as demonstrating this value. . Who would you invite to your candle-lighting? (Learn more about how to teach this value to children.)
• When Ben successfully taught his guest the Hanukkah story, he called it a miracle. What can you teach someone to do?
• How would you answer the question at the end of the video: “What will you do to bring light to the world today?” 

 Suggested Activities:

• Read a child-friendly version of the Hanukkah story and act it out with toys you have on hand – as Ben and Lila did!
• Make a keepsake Hanukkah menorah with your child’s hand and foot prints!
• Host a Hanukkah party! Light homemade hanukkiyothanukkiyahחֲנֻכִּיָּהNine-branched candelabra used during Hanukkah – eight branches for each night of the holiday, plus another branch (often taller, central, or more prominently displayed) for the shamash (helper) candle, which is used to light the others. , and serve delicious homemade sufganiyotsufganiyotסֻפְגָּנִית"Jelly doughnuts;" traditionally eaten in Israel during Hanukkah; singular: sufganiyah.  and latkeslatkeלְבִיבָה"Pancake" (Yiddish); fried potato pancake often eaten on Hanukkah; plural: latkes. ! Check out all of our recipes for a festive Hanukkah.
• Consider giving experiential Hanukkah gifts that teach Jewish values.