What Is Hanukkah?

by Harriet Ziefert, Rick Brown

Why do we light candles? Whatis a dreidel? Josh learns the answers to these questions and the story of Hanukkah as he celebrates this special holiday with his family. Why do we light the menorah? What do the letters on the dreidel mean? Josh learns about the miracles that happened a long time ago, and how the traditions of Hanukkah are continued today. The interactive format makes this introduction to a special holiday accessible to the very young.

Genres: Jewish, Childrens, Religion

Paperback

First published October 7, 1994

About the author

Harriet Ziefert grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey, where she attended the local schools. She graduated from Smith College, then received a Masters degree in Education from New York University.

For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.

"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was our first Hanukkah book. Although we are Catholic, my husband and I wanted our children to know about their Jewish heritage. Jesus, Mary and Joseph were Jewish, and as such what they believed and practiced mattered very much for us. This particular book is just an introduction, a lift-the-flap book designed for young children, which was appropriate for our family at the time. It is meant to whet the appetite for learning about this important Jewish feast. As a Christian, I cannot attest to its total accuracy, but it seems to be correct insofar as it goes.

This book leg us to our next book on Hanukkah, On Hanukkah.

[Kristin Sadler]

A book about a Jewish holiday that shows the celebrations of Hannukah and when it is celebrated. This would be good for a lesson about different holidays and educating students on Jewish practices and holidays.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was digging in my parents' bins from when they moved, and I found another book from when we were kids! This one is cute. Inoffensive and not particularly memorable. Probably useful for when introducing a little kid to Hannukah. I am (obviously) totally not the right audience for it. It's a relatively easy read, but a parent should probably be available when showing the book to any little kids, as some of the words are a little difficult, especially if the kid isn't used to the sound of Hebrew yet.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not Jewish, but this lift-the-flap book was a good way to teach my son about the customs of Hannukah.