Ideas for a Fun and Meaningful Hanukkah
Hanukkah is almost upon us! Here are some ideas to make your holiday extra fun and meaningful.
Night 1: Join Me at the Movies
I am planning to see the new Bob Dylan movie on Christmas Day and then go out for Chinese food. If you don't have plans, I'd love for you to join me. Just drop me a note and we can figure out the details and get tickets in advance. - DeborahBCohen@gmail.com
December 25, 4 pm at the AMC theater Montgomery Mall
Night 2: Talk about the Meaning of the Holiday
What are you grateful for this year? What could our family do to help people who are suffering in our world today? What injustice makes you mad — and what’s one way you can commit to making a difference? What gives you hope? Consider adding this reading to your candle-lighting and talking about each theme.
I spark CHANGE by kindling these candles, and letting them inspire me to change our world.
I spark JOY by savoring this tradition—an opportunity to celebrate courage and survival.
I spark DIGNITY by working to uphold the inherent worth of every human being.
I spark GENEROSITY by giving to others, from my family and friends to people in need around the globe.
I spark COMMUNITY by deepening my relationships—and expanding my circles to build kinship with people whose lives and views are different from my own.
I spark ACTION by raising my voice to fight the injustices all around us.
I spark JUSTICE by rededicating myself to tikkun olam—working to repair what’s broken.
I spark HOPE—by persevering in my belief that a better world is possible.
From American Jewish World Service (from AJWS)
Night 3: Shabbat Hanukkah
Shabbat falls on the third night of Hanukkah this year. Make it an evening for a family meal and holiday celebration. Even if you don’t mark Shabbat most weeks, do something different this Shabbat to make it special. Light the Shabbat candles, include a challah and wine or grape juice at dinner, take time after dinner for board games, puzzles or other simple family fun.
Night 4: Giving Not Receiving
Designate this night as a giving, not receiving night. Give family member, especially children, a little gelt money to pledge to tzedakah and let them decide where it should go. Extend the idea by finding a place to volunteer together.
Night 5: Hanukkah around the World.
Make a Hanukkah recipe from Jewish community someplace else in the world. Here are some great recipes to try.
Night 6: Handmade Hanukkah
On this evening, instead of store-bought gifts, exchange handmade gifts or repurposed gifts. This is especially empowering for children who don't typically buy gifts on their own!
Night 7: New Year’s Hanukkah
Midnight in Israel falls at 5 pm in the United States. Take a moment to pause at 5 pm for reflection. You might say these words or ones of your own, “In the coming year, let us make peace in the world. Peace, Shalom is our responsibility, the responsibility of all Israel, and the responsibility of all peoples in the world.” (adapted from ritualwell.org)
Night 8: Share Hanukkah with a Friend
Traditionally, we put our Hanukkah menorahs in a window to announce the holiday and our Jewish pride to our neighbors. Invite friends, especially friends with different backgrounds, to your house for a New Year’s Day Hanukkah celebration. Share the holiday with others and tell them about the traditions.
