Chanukah Resources for You

Chanukah at Home: Resources for You

Enjoy these downloadable, easy-to-use set of Chanukah games, discussion starters, and activities adapted from our partners on The Jewish Educator Portal, our 24/7 digital hub for thousands of educators worldwide. We've also included some relevant conversations from Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education, where each week our hosts and a guest explore the big issues and challenges facing Jewish families and educators today.

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators (National Association of School Psychologists)

High profile acts of violence can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.

Hanukkah cartoon of a bee lighting a menorah

Hanukkah Devash (Hadar Institute)

In this special edition of Devash magazine, you'll explore questions like: What’s Hanukkah all about? What makes the mitzvah of Hanukkah "extremely precious"? And what's the connection between Hanukkah candles and generosity?

Light Up the Night Chanukah Conversation Starter (Sefaria)

Lead a fascinating conversation about the message of the Chanukah lights. The sheet includes Jewish texts and questions such as: What do you think we accomplish by lighting Chanukah candles? What message are we communicating? Who do you think this message is designed for? Who needs to see those lights?

about 20 jelly doughnuts lined up in rows

The Culture of Sufganiyot (The iCenter)

We know how good these Jewish donuts are, but where do they come from? What's their relationship to Chanukkah, Jewish tradition, and Israeli culture? Take your learners on a tasty dive into Chanukkah treats from Jewish communities around the world, and into Sufganiyah (jelly donut) mania in Israel during the holiday!

paper peeled back to reveal the word mystery

Chanukah Mystery (The Lookstein Center)

This interactive presentation explores the laws of lighting the chanukiah.

Venture into Hanukkah (Jewish Learning Venture)

In this kit, you will find activities, recipes, information, and more that will help you learn about and celebrate Hanukkah.

Adapting: The Future of Jewish Eduation

two vintage black and white photos: one is a woman dressed as a dreidel and another is of a boy lighting a candle

The Festival of Lights When We Need It Most

David Bryfman sits down with Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, an award-winning artist and Jewish educator, for a conversation about bringing Jewish education to life through drama and creativity. Focusing on Chanukah, Chapman emphasizes using multi-sensory experiences, like smell and taste, to make Jewish traditions more immersive and meaningful for families.

Listen here!

Reclaiming Our Story with Sarah Hurwitz

How can educators help Jews reclaim their identity from shame, assimilation, and antisemitism, and instead embrace the richness of Jewish tradition in all its complexity? Former White House speechwriter and author Sarah Hurwitz shares deeply personal insights that invite educators and parents to consider how they can guide learners toward Jewish pride, authenticity, and resilience.

Listen here!

Teens sit in a classroom and look thoughtful

A Wide Tent with Clear Boundaries: Lessons in Jewish Leadership and Peoplehood

David Bryfman engages with Dr. Mijal Bitton, one of today’s leading Jewish scholars and leaders, in an illuminating, nuanced conversation about defining Jewish peoplehood in a time of polarity. Is it better to be inclusive of all beliefs in a community, or to establish clear boundaries and principals? What if it's possible to have both?

Listen here!