The Chanukah menorah has eight branches of light plus one additional branch, called the Shamash שמש. The Shamash candle sits apart from the others and has one very important job.
It’s job is to light the other candles. It is the helper candle or the starter. Without it, we would have no light in the dark [...]
Once upon a time at the very, very beginning, when the seasons changed for the very, very first time, everything in creation paid very close attention.
It was just round this time of year when Bear noticed that the Sun’s strong beam went down earlier than usual. ”It’s a little colder today,” said Bear to Elephant.
“Yes [...]
In preparation for Chanukah, my students and I explore light and dark. Below, some art projects based on these themes.
Teacher Preparation:
Vocabulary words:
“Or” light
“Choshech” dark
“Ner” Candle
“Nerot” Candles
“Ner Tamid” eternal flame/light
“Shamash” – helper
In the story of Chanukah, the Macabbees dedicate the Temple by lighting the Ner Tamid, a light that stays lit always. That means it’s still lit today. [...]
Use your Shamash to light the other candles!
Click on the shapes below, print them out, and start decorating!
Shira’s Famous Family Recipes
Latkes and Applesauce and don’t forget a little sour cream and then of course there’s sufganiyot (doughnuts) too.
Making Latkes and Applesauce with your children is the perfect way to celebrate this holiday together. A little messy, but a LOT of fun! Play ShirLaLa Chanukah music to make it a party! Or practice [...]
Can you find all of the Chanukah words?
A Great Miracle Happened There!
Yummy yummy jelly doughnuts!