How Legos Turned Into a New Jewish Tradition for My Family
I consider myself a dedicated yet anxious Jewish mom. I’m dedicated because I would like my children to have a Jewish upbringing that connects them to our collective stories, history, and values – and I’m anxious because I’m never quite sure whether I’m accomplishing that goal.
A Tri-Faith Holiday Celebration in Israel
In the early 1990s, Haifa instituted an annual cultural event, “Festival of Festivals,” to celebrate Jewish, Christian, and Muslim holidays falling during the winter season.
Hanukkah: The Secret Strategy of Jewish Survival
Every Hanukkah, we thank God for the miracle of the season. But what was the miracle? Simply this: The Maccabees and their legacy survived.
The Hidden History of "I Have a Little Dreidel"
Samuel E. Goldfarb penned “I Have a Little Dreidel”, while his older brother composed “Shalom Aleichem.” To use a Christian equivalent, it would be like having one brother write “Jingle Bells” and another compose “Silent Night.”
What It's Like to Be a Maccabee in Maine
My sisters and I grew up in Central Maine, where my family was one of a small handful of Jewish families scattered in this remote, wooded corner of the diaspora.
6 New Hanukkah Kids' Books to Help Enlighten the Holiday
From a new audio version of "Hanukkah Bear" — a holiday favorite by National Jewish Book Award winner Eric A. Kimmel — to a novel for young teens set during the Festival of Lights, there is a fresh crop of Hanukkah books that are sure to delight young readers of all stripes.
Why We Put the Hanukkah Menorah in Our Windows
After a visit to Israel during the festival several years ago, I began to view Hanukkah in a new light.
How to Make Hanukkah an Opportunity to Help Heal the World
Though our kids have a long list of things they want for Hanukkah, we try to navigate the week-long celebration, balancing gifts, donations, and experiences.
How to Celebrate Hanukkah in Today’s World
In today’s world that doesn’t feel quite festive, can I get myself into a celebratory mood for Hanukkah?
How to Organize a Hanukkah Bazaar
A Hanukkah bazaar is a great fundraiser and gets your congregants thinking about their Hanukkah shopping and can give an early boost to your Judaica shop. It’s a wonderful opportunity to involve your temple family!