Even though Hanukkah is often included in "Christmas Around the World" celebrations, it's not the "Jewish Christmas." Here are some basic Hannukah facts for kids.
Hanukkah does fall in December, frequently very near the dates of the Christian Christmas celebration, and may involve the exchange of gifts, but that's where the similarity ends. Here are some basic facts about this Jewish holiday that will help children better understand the difference.
1. Hanukkah (The Festival of Lights)
The history of Hannukah predates Christmas. Antiochus, the Greek king of Syria, outlawed Jewish rituals and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods. Most Jews were angry and decided to fight back. In 165 B.C.E, the Jewish Maccabees managed to drive the Syrian army out of Jerusalem and reclaim their temple. Hanukkah is the celebration of this victory. In history, Hanukkah has been a minor holiday, only gaining in popularity since the late 1800s. In Hebrew, the word "Hanukkah" means "dedication."
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