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Learn About the Story of Hanukkah with Shalom Sesame
With your children, watch these Shalom Sesame videos to learn the story of Hanukkah. Then try the discussion ideas and activities recommended by Reform Jewish educators to further extend the lessons learned in the videos.
Maoz Tzur & Oh Hanukkah: Learn These Traditional Hanukkah Songs
Here are the lyrics of two of the most traditional Hanukkah songs, so you can sing along!
Tu BiShvat Activities to Do at Home
The Jewish New Year of the Trees, or Tu BiSh’vat, lends itself to many home observations and activities. Here are some ideas for crafts, planting, quiet activities, and more.
Learn About Hanukkah Traditions with Shalom Sesame
Together with your children, watch these Shalom Sesame videos, then try the activities recommended by Reform Jewish educators.
Celebrate Hanukkah with Shalom Sesame: Creating Olive Oil
With your kids, watch Shalom Sesame's video to learn how olive oil is made in Israel and used to light a traditional hanukkiyah. Then try the discussion ideas and activities recommended by Reform Jewish educators to extend the lessons of the video.
History: The Hanukkah Story
Although according to Jewish custom Hanukkah is considered a “minor” Jewish festival, today it ranks—along with Passover and Purim—as one of the most beloved Jewish holidays, full of light and joy and family celebration.
Hanukkah: Customs and Rituals
Learn about the music, rituals, and food associated with the celebration of Hanukkah.
Ner Shel Tzedakah: Candle of Righteousness
Hanukkah can be a time for us to rededicate ourselves to the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repair of the world.
Tu BiShvat: Customs and Rituals
The Jewish mystics of the 17th century, the Kabbalists, created a special ritual—modeled after the Passover seder—to celebrate God's presence in nature. Today in modern Israel, Tu BiShvat has become a national holiday, a tree planting festivaTu BiShvat is not mentioned in the Torah. Scholars believe the holiday was originally an agricultural festival, corresponding to the beginning of spring in Israel. But a critical historical event helped Tu BiShvat evolve from a simple celebration of spring to a commemoration of our connection to the land of Israel. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E. and the exile that followed, many of the exiled Jews felt a need to bind themselves symbolically to their former homeland. Tu BiShvat served in part to fill that spiritual need. Jews used this time each year to eat a variety of fruits and nuts that could be obtained from Israel. The practice, a sort of physical association with the land, continued for many centuries.l for both Israelis and Jews throughout the world
Tu BiShvat: History
Although the celebration of Tu BiShvat has a long and varied history, the theme most commonly ascribed to the holiday today is the environment.