The Movement for Reform Judaism

The first record of the Chanukah story isn’t in the Jewish canon at all, but in the Book of Maccabees, preserved in the Christian Apocrypha or inter-testamental books. This is the full text of the first book of Maccabees with the Chanukah story – is it what you would expect it to say? What is missing? Are there bits of the story you didn’t know?

Sex in the City

This script from the show Sex in the City is a great trigger for discussion around conversion and what one gives up around this time of year, as well as what one gains. For many Jews who, like Harry in the show, have Christmas trees etc this issue becomes complex and is important to discuss. Whatever you decide to do with Christmas, however, make sure your Chanukah (and Sukkot, and Shavuot, and Purim etc.) is something to remember!

Chanukah lights

Adam Overlander-Kaye, MRJ’s Fundraising Director offers some texts on lighting the chanukiah.

Chanukah oil story

Thanks to Laura Samuels ( Adapted from a worksheet by the Centre for Jewish Education ) this chanukiah explores how late the story of the oil is in the development of Chanukah narratives.

Around the world in 8 Nights of Chanukah

There are many hooks we can hang our 8 nights of Chanukah upon, but how about exploring 8 places around the world through their celebration of Chanukah? Using these pictures and quotes you could play a game of match the picture to the quote, or use the quote to begin a conversation alongside the picture about the nature of that Jewish community, its Chanukah celebration, and its history. You may want to make a project of exploring each place together, cooking different foods from each community, and digging out the music of each area.

Around the world quotes

British Friends of Rabbis for Human Rights readings

This resource was prepared by British Friends of Rabbis for Human Rights.

Sustainable Chanukah sources

Chanukah and sustainability plan notes
On Chanukah one days resources lasted for eight days, yet as we consume more and more, Chanukah has become the festival of gifts and giving and buying and having more. These sources explore some of these themes and encourage us to use Chanukah as the impetus for considering sustainability in our power usage, and perhaps in our consumption more widely.

Jewish identity at Chanukah

The battle for survival at Chanukah was also a battle against Greek assimilation. As a denomination that embraces integration and the modern world, Chanukah is a time for conversations about holding onto and preserving what is sacred, while also being part of Greekí society. These texts explore identity generally, and in the complicated negotiations between Chanukah and Christmas.

Converts on Christmas

Used for discussion at West London Synagogueís Jewish Preparation Programme, these texts explore the experience of 3 converts to Judaism at Christmas time.

Rashi’s daughters and candle lighting

Rashi’s Daughters, made even more famous by Maggie Antons recent novels, are famed for having worn tefillin. Yet there is no textual evidence of this happening. However as Anton shares here, it is possible they (or women around the same time) may have been responsible for a much more widely practiced ritual ñ the blessing for Shabbat candle lighting, based on the blessing for Chanukah, which is found in the Talmud (where no blessing for Shabbat candles is found).

Chanukah

They tried to kill us, they failed, lets eat – true of so many festivals. But here Adam Overlander-Kaye tries to extract the why of survival.

Latkes

Many of you will have exotic and interesting recipes to share for Chanukah, so please do! But just for starters ñ our basic family latke recipe!

Olive oil cake

Chanukah is famed for deep fried treats, but there are other ways to incorporate the miraculous olive oil into our food. This easy and tasty olive oil cake come from Eleanor Davies from Edgware and District Synagogue (who should really be on the next GBBO!).

Making your own chanukiah

There are lots of ways to improvise a chanukiah, so you can light one at work, at school, and at home without spending lots! Some fun ideas of varying cost to help make fun and practical chanukiot.

Chag HaBanot

Eleanor Davis from EDRS shares resources on womenísí roles in the Chanukah story, and how this might be honoured in Chanukah celebrations by both men and women.

Chanukah Resources

These resources were sent out by Sinai Synagogue in Leeds to all members of their community.