All of the Chanukah “How-Tos” Your Family Needs

Chanukah is Hebrew for “dedication.” (It shares a root with the Hebrew word hinuch חִנּוּ , “education.”) On Chanukah we teach our children how the Maccabees rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In lighting candles and remembering the Maccabees’ fight for their uniqueness, we think about the ways in which we’re unique — the special light within us.

When we realise our potential, we grow that light. When we accept and respect others, we honor their light. When we stand up for what’s right (like the Maccabees!), we dedicate ourselves to spreading light.

Use the buttons below to quickly access “cheat sheets,” blog posts, and printables to help your family spread light this holiday season.

Light Candles

Lighting candles is the central ritual component of Chanukah, and it’s a ritual most children love.

How to Light the Hanukkah Candles
- Includes audio of blessings
Printable Candle Lighting Guide

Play Dreidel

One of the best-known Chanukah traditions is playing dreidel (Yiddish for "spinning top," also known as sevivon in Hebrew). The Hebrew letters on the dreidel stand for “a great miracle happened there” (Nes Gadol Haya Sham). In Israel, where the Chanukah story took place, the letter Shin is replaced by Peh (for Po, “here”).

A legend explains why we play dreidel on Chanukah: In the time of the Maccabees, when the Greeks didn’t allow Jews to study the Torah, Jews would learn in secret. Whenever the authorities approached, children would quickly hide their books and take out their spinning tops.