Growing up in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the twinkling lights of menorahs in the windows hold a special place in my heart. This book combines the rich texture of family storytelling with the traditions of Hanukkah.Jill McElmurry's cheerful illustrations are perfect for tracing.
Every night of Hanukkah, after Owen— the Official Candle Lighter—lights the menorah, Grandma Karen kicks off her cowboy boots and tells him a bedtime story. On the first night there's the girl who dreams of becoming a rabbi. On the fourth night there's the alien who gets lost in a little girl's backyard. And on the seventh night there's the boy who wants to be a baby ... and whose parents let him try.
The kids love Grandma Karen's character and can't wait to see what story she tells next. We discussed what this story reveals about Jewish culture and community when compared with our previous book on Hanukkah- Polish versus American traditions, immigration, generational differences, Orthodox versus Reform, village versus urban, traditional and its intersections with modernity. This was a great way to explore comparative history.
Dinner is a time filled with stories from various relatives. An inviting family meal.
Brenda's beautiful tiny Jewish neighborhood.
We decided to do a variation on Alphamom's genius tiny little neighborhood craft to honor the Festival of Lights in our home. Since the menorah had nine candles, Max suggested we make 9 houses in our neighborhood, which was the plan, but it's nice when he thinks ahead.
Max drawing windows on buildings.
We'll share photos when we finish. Right now, we're still in the "design" phase pictured above.