As the menorah candles are prepared and the smell of latkes begins to fill kitchens, Jewish families everywhere get ready to celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Children look forward to songs, dreidels, and sufganiyot, while adults may pause to reflect on the story at the heart of it all.
The miracle of Chanukah took place more than two thousand years ago, yet its message still resonates deeply today. It is a story of courage, resilience, and light overcoming darkness. For our children, it offers timeless lessons about standing up for what matters, believing in possibility, and discovering their own inner strength.
The Story of Chanukah
The story begins in ancient Israel, during a time when the Jewish people faced powerful rulers who tried to suppress their traditions and identity. The Maccabees, a small band of Jewish fighters, rose up to defend their right to live and worship as Jews. Against overwhelming odds, they reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem.
When they entered the Temple, they found only a small jar of oil, enough to light the menorah for one night. Yet, in what became known as the miracle of Chanukah, that small amount of oil burned for eight full days, long enough to prepare new oil and rededicate the sacred space.
What the Story Teaches
On the surface, Chanukah is about battles won and oil that lasted longer than expected. However, beneath the details lies a message that speaks to every generation.
- Faith and Courage: The Maccabees remind us that even a small group can make a big difference when guided by conviction.
- Identity and Resilience: The Jewish people’s determination to keep their faith alive highlights the importance of holding on to who we are, even when it is difficult.
- Miracles Large and Small: The oil lasting eight nights symbolises hope and reminds us that sometimes, even in challenging circumstances, possibilities we did not imagine can unfold.
Light in Darkness – A Message for Today
One of the most powerful themes of Chanukah is that light shines brightest in the dark. In today’s world, that message feels especially relevant. Since October 7 2023, our community has experienced grief, challenge, and uncertainty. Yet we have also seen something remarkable: Jewish communities across the globe coming together with renewed strength, unity, and pride.
Families have gathered in greater numbers at shuls and schools. Communities have raised their voices to support Israel and one another. Many have taken the opportunity to connect more deeply with Jewish learning, traditions, and identity. Just as the menorah’s light pierced the darkness of the ancient Temple, the Jewish people today continue to shine light in a world that often feels uncertain.
For children, this message is especially important. The menorah is not just about history. It is a symbol that reminds them that even in difficult times, they can find hope, courage, and pride in who they are.
Lessons for Children
For children, Chanukah is not only about receiving gifts or spinning dreidels. It is about seeing themselves in the story. Like the Maccabees, they can be courageous in small but meaningful ways: standing up for a friend, trying something new, or showing kindness when it is not easy.
Lighting the menorah becomes a way to talk about inner light. Parents and teachers can ask: What is your light? How can you share it with others? These questions help children connect the holiday to their own lives and discover that they, too, can make a difference.
How Tamim Brings the Story to Life
At Tamim, we bring the Chanukah story into classrooms in ways that are engaging and meaningful for children. Through art, music, storytelling, and acts of kindness, students experience the themes of courage, resilience, and light in a tangible way. They are encouraged to reflect on the lessons of the Maccabees and the menorah and to see how those lessons apply to their lives today.
By connecting history to personal growth, we help children understand that Chanukah is not only about the past. It is about who we are and who we can become.
Conclusion
Chanukah is a festival of lights, miracles, and resilience. Its story begins long ago but continues to shine brightly today. In a world that can sometimes feel dark, the menorah reminds us that even the smallest spark can bring hope and strength.
After the challenges over the last two years, the Jewish community has shown what it means to find light in darkness – by standing united, supporting one another, and taking pride in our identity. For our children, this holiday is an invitation to see themselves as part of that light and to carry it forward.
As we prepare for Chanukah, may we find inspiration in the menorah’s glow. May it remind us of the strength of our people, the resilience of our spirit, and the power of each child’s light to brighten the world.
