Religious School

December, 2009 - A New Kind of December Dilemma

12/4/2009
In past years I have written about December Dilemma and what it means to us as Jews living in a predominantly Christian country. Often what has traditionally defined this term has been the concern of parents that our children would be unduly attracted to the lights and music of Christmas.

In today's world however, Hanukkah has - for better or worse - been elevated from a minor Jewish festival of independence to a major holiday complete with many comparable trappings of its Christian counterpart. The new December Dilemma is now one faced by educators and parents alike: How to find ways to bring the original spirit of Hanukkah back into our families' home celebrations?

Both in religious school and many homes, there are plenty of activities to make Hanukkah "fun". Lighting candles for eight consecutive nights, spinning dreidels, making and eating latkes provide plenty of holiday entertainment, which is important. But giving real meaning and relevance to this holiday means focusing on what makes Hanukkah the "Festival of Lights". Lights can mean enlightenment. Here is a way to incorporate family discussion with watching the candles burn each of the eight nights of this holiday.

I'd like to share some parts of an article written for United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism by Lois Goldrich. In her article, "Hanukkah, Rekindling the Eternal Light", she makes the important distinction that we need to remind our children and ourselves that Hanukkah is a holiday about heroism and the right to be different, about faith and about miracles. She suggests finding ways to discuss a different aspect of the holiday in an age-appropriate way with your family:

NIGHT ONE: As you light candles the first night, ask yourself and your family: Do I (you) know any modern-day Maccabees? Is there anyone in your home, your school, your workplace, your synagogue-who works to actively defend not only his/her rights but those of other groups?

NIGHT TWO: As you light candles the second night, ask yourself and your family: What does it mean to be part of a people? As a Jew, what special responsibilities do I have? We often lose sight of our part of a larger community of Jews. We are part of a proud people with a distinguished heritage. Get a book about Hanukkah and read or re-read it with your family to tell the story.

NIGHT THREE: As you light candles the third night, ask: Have I "proclaimed the miracle" helping someone understand the true meaning of the holiday? Not only a military victory happened, but the story also speaks of the miracle of the love of the Jewish people for God and God for the Jewish people. When you display the menorah in a highly visible location, you not only demonstrate your pride in your heritage but you sensitize your family, friends and neighbors to the spiritual aspects of the holiday.

NIGHT FOUR: As you light candles the fourth night, ask: Have I witnessed any miracles in my lifetime? Discuss the idea of what defines a miracle with your family. Open a Siddur Sim Shalom and find special brachot to recite for special occasions.

NIGHT FIVE: As you light candles the fifth night, ask: Have I given Tzedakah today? Giving Tzedakah is not optional, it is an obligation (mitzvah). Discuss ways to give money to worthy causes and how to give of your time as well.

NIGHT SIX: As you light candles the sixth night, ask: Have I (you) done something today to improve the world? Children can be encouraged to realize and discover their own limited world can be improved through actions that help themselves and others. Improving the environment is a way to accomplish this.

NIGHT SEVEN: As you light candles the seventh night, ask: Have I (you) brought happiness into someone's life today? Loneliness is one of the most debilitating diseases in society today, yet it is "curable". Sometimes, a simple phone call is all it takes to bring someone joy. So is a kind word of encouragement. It is so easy to give.

NIGHT EIGHT: As you light candles the final night, ask: What questions will we ask each other next year? Learning and growing are very important parts of Judaism, and it is often more important to strive for the right questions than to memorize standard answers. Resolve to learn more about Judaism, so that next year, your Hanukkah questions will reflect a higher level of Jewish awareness.

Chag Sameach!

Donald Cohen
Education Director
eddirector@tbibluebell.org


Important Education Dates - Page 17


Show Other Articles