Oh, Chanukah.

The last few weeks have been joyful and full of learning as we prepare for the upcoming holiday of Chanukah. There's no doubt that the children know the story backwards and forwards, and I hope you've had a chance to view and share their retelling many times.

In addition to developing familiarity with the Chanukah narrative, we also set to work answering the question - what are the characteristics of a chanukah menorah, also known as a chanukiyah. We comparing seven-branched candelabras (like the one in the Holy Temple/Beit HaMikdash) to the nine-branched chanukah menorah. Next, we compared a variety of chanukah menorahs using this slide show as well as those you generously shared with us. Children identified that not only did the chanukah menorah have 9 spaces all together, but eight were the same height and one was either higher or lower (the shamash).

Armed with this information, we turned the classroom into a menorah workshop, in which children chose classroom materials to demonstrate what they had learned. We had a LOT of fun working with Legos, blocks, unifix cubes. Some wonderful teamwork took place as the children tried to get some fragile structures to stand unsupported.

Finally, we spent several days working on the beautiful creations your children brought home, in addition to an extra chanukiyah to raffle off for the Northampton Survival Center. We raised $20 which we will deliver after the holidays.

Other highlights of of our Chaunkah study were playing dreidel with our 6th grade buddies, planning our party, decorating (and eating) our Chanukah cake, our Chanukah party (featuring sparkly pedicures, loud music, scratch art and Temple building) and creating and smashing our homemade pinata. (Each child should come home with a bag of chocolate gelt which they were reminded not to eat, thanks to the aforementioned cake.)

We watched one of my favorite children's movies, and Zoe's favorite from when she was in Kindergarten. They were truly delighted by the magical My Neighbor Totoro, and I highly recommend it for watching about a zillion more times. I still haven't tired of it.

It hasn't been all Chanukah all the time, but the rest of the news will have to come later. In the meantime, here's a great guide to lighting the Chanukah menorah. We practiced the blessings, but the children may still need some support.

Happy Chanukah and Shabbat Shalom!