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    A Chanuka Activity For Families

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    A Chanuka Activity For Families

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    outdash2
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    55 views2 pages

    A Chanuka Activity For Families

    Uploaded by

    outdash2

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 2

    8 Conversations for 8 Nights

    A Chanuka Activity for Families

    t has often been observed that


    Chanuka shares a root with
    chinuch (education). In fact, the
    stories and halachot of Chanuka are
    rich with opportunities for robust
    educational conversation both in
    school and at home.
    Each night, families have a tremendous
    teachable moment while sitting by
    the chanukia. Conversations about
    themes in Chanuka can help families
    address topics and share values that
    sometimes get neglected in the rush of
    day-to-day life.
    1. Making the Effort
    After the Maccabees defeated the
    Syrian-Greeks, and wanted to
    rededicate the Beit Hamikdash, they
    famously discovered that they only
    had enough oil to last for one day,
    when producing more oil would take
    eight days. Though the oil was not
    enough to last, they lit the menorah
    anyway. They did the best they could.
    Have you ever started something
    that you didnt think would succeed?
    Why should we try our best if we are
    sure that we will not succeed?
    [Rabbi Tarfon] used to say: It is not
    your responsibility to finish the work, but
    you are not free to abstain from it either.
    Mishna Avot, 2:16
    How does Rabbi Tarfons wisdom
    apply to the Maccabim?
    If we dont finish the work, who will?
    Who finished the work of keeping
    the menorah lit?

    Shira Heller
    Director of Student and Teacher Learning at Prizmah:
    Center for Jewish Day Schools
    Parent of YUHSB student Nadav Heller, Class of 2019
    2. Miracles in our Day
    On Chanuka, we remember and
    express our gratitude for two miracles.
    The miracle of the oilone days
    worth lasting for eight dayswas an
    act of Hashem suspending the laws
    of nature. The miracle of the military
    victorythe few defeating the
    manywas within the laws of nature.
    Do we still experience miracles
    today? If so, are they supernatural, or
    within the laws of nature?
    Do you think the establishment of
    the State of Israel was miraculous?
    Why or why not?
    Did you ever have a personal
    experience that felt miraculous? If
    so, what was it? Did you express
    gratitude?
    3. The Few Against the Many:
    Overcoming the Odds

    What characteristics do you think


    the Maccabim had that helped them
    defeat the Syrian-Greeks?
    Did you ever overcome a challenge?
    How did you do it? How did it feel?
    4. Counting Up: Chanuka as a
    Model for Growth
    The Gemara relates that Hillel and
    Shammai argued over the correct
    method for lighting the chanukia.
    According to Shammai, one begins
    with eight candles, lighting one fewer
    each night. According to Hillel, one
    begins with one candle, lighting one
    more each night. One reason given
    for Hillels position is that we should
    increase in holiness.
    Why would we not light all eight
    candles the first night, but gradually
    add one candle each night?
    What message do you think it would
    send if we decreased the number of
    candles each night? How would that
    change our Chanuka celebration?

    The story of the war between the


    Maccabim and the Syrian-Greeks is
    an illustration of how a few brave and
    What does it mean to increase in
    strong people, with the help of Hashem,
    holiness and how can we do it?
    can defeat an overwhelming force.
    How could our method for lighting
    Do you ever feel like the odds are
    the chanukia be a model for personal
    stacked against you? To whom do you
    growth?
    turn for help?
    32

    Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary The Benjamin and Rose Berger CJF Torah To-Go Series Chanuka 5777

    5. Resisting Peer Pressure:


    How the Maccabim Embraced
    Being Different
    The Syrian-Greeks sought to destroy
    the Jews by outlawing Jewish
    practices. Many Jews assimilated,
    becoming indistinguishable from the
    Greeks around them. The Maccabim
    resisted tremendous pressure to
    conform, and retained both their
    Jewish practice and their Jewish pride.
    When it seems like everyone is
    doing the wrong thing, how do you do
    whats right?
    What are some things bullies might
    try to do to make us do things we
    know are wrong?
    How can we be prepared to respond
    to peer pressure?
    6. Pirsum HaNes: Being a
    Show Off

    The Rambam teaches in Hilchot


    Chanuka that we should light our
    chanukia in a window or doorway since
    its purpose is to publicize the miracle.

    If you could give a gift to your whole


    family/school/community, what
    would it be?

    When do we want to attract


    attention and show off? When not?

    8. Enjoying the Moment

    What are the right things to show off?


    What should be kept more private?
    Have you ever felt reluctant to
    advertise your Judaism?
    7. All those Presents!
    Recently, exchanging gifts has become
    an important part of many families
    Chanuka celebration. Sometimes,
    this results in excitement and joy.
    Sometimes it causes jealousy and greed.

    We are halachically forbidden to


    use the lights of the chanukia for
    anything . We may not use them to
    do homework, read a book, or wash
    dishes. We are supposed to enjoy their
    light. There is a widespread custom
    (especially among women) to refrain
    from work for at least the first half
    hour that the chanukia lights burn.
    As a family, do we find enough time
    to stop and enjoy? Are we too busy?

    Why do we give gifts on Chanuka?

    Does everything have to have a use


    or is it good to have things just to
    appreciate?

    How can we make gift-giving part of


    the spiritual message of Chanuka?

    Adapted from the Benjamin and Rose


    Berger Torah To-Go, Chanukah 5772.

    What is the best gift you ever received?

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    33

    Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary The Benjamin and Rose Berger CJF Torah To-Go Series Chanuka 5777

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