It’s a month for gifts and for being present

PJ Chanukah Book Covers

Long after the candles have melted and the scent of latkes has dissipated, the glow of our Chanukah celebrations continue. There’s a season of service and celebration that can be kindled by the Festival of Lights, even after the eight days and nights!

Consider these lingering lessons from Chanukah, inspired by PJ Library books:

Chanukah Lights Everywhere by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Melissa Iwai
A boy counts all the lights on a walk as Chanukah lights and considers the many ways of adding light to the world. Can your family enjoy holiday lights (perhaps with these holiday specs?) and discuss ways to brighten our community?

Gracie’s Night by Lynn Taylor Gordon, illustrated by Laura Brown
Gracie and her papa have lots of love but very little money. Gracie works to earn money for a wonderful gift for him, but she sees someone who could benefit from it even more than her papa. So, she makes a decision that will brighten Chanukah for everyone. Are there ways that your family can do the same?

Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles by David A. Adler, illustrated by Jeff Ebbeler

At the heart of this story, where a young girl bakes cookies for a man experiencing homelessness, are the Jewish values of tzedakah (righteous giving) and rachamim (compassion). How can your family practice these values during this season? Are there volunteer or donation opportunities you could do as a family?

Jeremy’s Dreidel by Ellie Gellman, illustrated by Judith Friedman
Jeremy makes a dreidel using Braille as his father is blind. Are there ways you can make the world more accessible for people with different abilities? Shoveling snow and mitigating ice on sidewalks are things that kids can help with, even if they’re little. Help them understand that doing so is about creating accessibility for everyone, and while out on a walk, point out other ways that places are or are not accessible (e.g., ramps, curb cuts, lighting, audible crosswalk signals, etc.).

Nonna’s Hanukkah Surprise by Karen Fisman, illustrated by Martha Aviles
Rachel is from an interfaith family, and she bonds with her Nonna (Italian for grandmother) while sharing about the traditions of Chanukah. If yours is an interfaith family, how can you find ways to honor traditions and learn from each other’s beliefs? Get some tips from 18Doors.

We hope that your December is filled with warmth and coziness and that you can take the opportunity to share more light onto the world. Your gift from PJ Library (previewed below) should help make doing mitzvot (good deeds) a fun adventure!

Chanukah ended Monday, December 6th at sundown.

Chag Urim Sameach (Happy Festival of Lights),
Sarah


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