Light and Dark Year One Aim I can

Light and Dark Year One

Aim • I can explain why the story of Hanukkah is important to Jews. Success Criteria • I can recall important events from the story. • I can tell you the message in the story.

What Is Hanukkah? Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is the Jewish festival of light. The word ‘Hanukkah’ means rededication. This means to make something special after it has been broken. Hanukkah dates back to two hundred years before the start of Christianity and celebrates one of the greatest miracles in Jewish history.

The Story of Hanukkah A long time ago, in a country called Israel, there stood a beautiful temple in the city of Jerusalem.

The Story of Hanukkah In Jerusalem, there lived an evil king called Antiochus, the King of Syria. He didn’t like people who had different beliefs to his own. He went around the world, fighting against people so that he could make them follow his beliefs.

The Story of Hanukkah King Antiochus decided to fight the people of Israel. His army won and he told everyone that now that he was in charge, only his gods could be worshipped.

The Story of Hanukkah He told the Jewish people of Israel that they must give up their own beliefs and follow his; if they didn’t they would be punished harshly. Another of his orders was to destroy the Jewish temples, including the beautiful one in Jerusalem.

The Story of Hanukkah Most of the people decided they had no other choice but to follow Antiochus’ commands but one man, Judah Maccabee, decided that the King was wrong and something had to be done.

The Story of Hanukkah Judah and his brothers, who were great soldiers, formed an army to fight the King and his army.

The Story of Hanukkah Judah’s army, known as the Maccabees, were much smaller than the King’s army, but the brothers fought with all their might because they were fighting for what they believed in.

The Story of Hanukkah The Maccabees won and the King was defeated.

The Story of Hanukkah They went to reclaim the temple in Jerusalem but it was in a terrible state.

The Story of Hanukkah As they worked to try and repair the temple, they found a small container of oil, enough to keep the menorah burning for only a short time.

The Story of Hanukkah But a miracle happened! The lamps burned for eight days and eight nights and the Maccabees knew God was with them. Every year at Hanukkah, Jews light 8 candles in the menorah.

The Message of the Story What do you think is the message of the story? Can you think of anything positive that people could take from this story? The Miracle The candle stayed lit for 8 days, even though there was not enough oil. This was a miracle! The miracle shows Jews that God was with them. The story is a reminder to Jewish people that God is with them, even when they are having a difficult time. Belief In the story of Hanukkah, the Maccabee brothers fought for what they believed in, and what they thought was right. Even though lots of other people thought it was hopeless, and their army was smaller than the King’s, the Maccabee brothers showed perseverance and determination. They were very brave. The story can help Jews to remember to fight for what they believe in, or to keep going, even when the odds are against them.

Important Events You are going to think about the important events of the story, and why they were important. Photo courtesy of goforchris @flickr. com) - granted under creative commons licence – attribution.

How Is Hanukkah Celebrated? Hanukkah is celebrated by Jews in many ways: On each night of Hanukkah, a branch of the menorah is lit and blessings are said. The game Dreidel is played to help children remember the miracle of Hanukkah. Oil based foods are also eaten during Hanukkah, such as sufganiyot (small doughnuts) and laktes (fried pancakes). Presents are exchanged. Small gifts of money or chocolate coins are often given to children on each night of Hanukkah. Photo courtesy of storebukkebruse @flickr. com) - granted under creative commons licence – attribution.

Aim • I can explain why the story of Hanukkah is important to Jews. Success Criteria • I can recall important events from the story. • I can tell you the message in the story.