Chanukah — or the Festival of Lights — warms the end of the cold month of Kislev with eight nights of celebration, commemorating the triumph of light over darkness and the rededication of the Temple.
This year, join us in celebrating with eight nights of Chanukah learning resources. We invite you to save this email and explore the rich materials at your own pace. Discover what Sefaria can illuminate for you!
ONE: Lighting Candles
Read up on some How-To's for lighting the Menorah, and dig deeper into the diverging approaches of Beit Hillel and Beit Shamai for the number of candles each night. If you're looking for an interactive activity to do with young learners, try our Chanukah Scavenger Hunt.
TWO: The Menorah
Curious about the Menorah's shape and design? Explore models of the Menorah, or Chanukiya, according to different interpretations, and consider the symbolism of the Shamash.
THREE: Publicizing the Miracles
Study the story of Chanukah as it's retold in the Medieval philosopher Rambam's Mishneh Torah Chapter 3, and discover how publicizing the miracles has become an important part of Chanukah observance through action and prayer.
FOUR: Women and Chanukah
Did you know that Chanukah has special connections and customs for women? Find Sheets and sources about the apocryphal character Judith, including a creative multimedia interpretation from the Girls in Trouble Collection.
FIVE: Stories and Songs
Speaking of multimedia, you can get to know Chanukah through stories and songs about the holiday. Do you have a favorite Chanukah song? Learn how to add music to a Sefaria Sheet, and share your work in our library!
SIX: Chanukah Food
Do you like cheese? The medieval legal work Kol Bo notes a custom to eat dairy foods on Chanukah in honor of Judith's story. There's also a tradition to eat food prepared in oil — like donuts — to celebrate the Chanukah miracles. Are you on team sufganiyot (jelly donuts) or latkes (potato pancakes)?
SEVEN: Chanukah Collections
Examine Chanukah through the lens of Kabbalah with the Silver Sefaria Collection for beginners and experienced learners alike: Introduction to Kabbalistic Thought on Chanukah. Explore even more resources in our Chanukah on Sefaria Collection.
EIGHT: Surprise
Stay tuned for a very special Chanukah announcement…
We hope you enjoy these learning resources and that they enrich your Chanukah. Let us know what you think or if you have any favorites by simply sending an email to hello@sefaria.org. Your feedback is always welcome!
With our warmest Chanukah wishes,
Sefaria Communications