Light the Menorah!: A Hanukkah Handbook
A Hanukkah manual for the contemporary Jewish family! For each night of Hanukkah, Light the Menorah! offers a brief reflection to begin the candle-lighting ceremony and set the mood for a meaningful family celebration. Enhance your holiday with Hanukkah history, rituals, activities, songs, recipes, and more!
Challenge Yourself!
Take a Hanukkah Trivia Quiz
Awards and Honors
Light the Menorah: A Hanukkah Handbook was named a 2019 Notable Book for Older Readers in the Sydney Taylor Awards
Reviews
"With Hanukkah fast approaching, it’s a time to purchase or pull from your family library a thoughtful, comprehensive Hannukah handbook that was written five years ago and is so well-done it should become a standard for the holiday." -- San Diego Jewish World, December 1, 2023. Read the full review.
"The calm tone, scrupulous sourcing of information (as in the distinction between history and rabbinic lore), and clear instructions make this an excellent choice for families who are creating their first Hanukkah traditions." -- 
Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, September 2018. Read the full review.
"This makes a good resource for young families observing this holiday, particularly those who would like to move beyond the emphasis on presents that results from Hanukkah's proximity to Christmas. Ideal for religious collections, this will also be welcomed in public libraries with Judaica sections." -- Booklist September 2018.
"A handbook to help families make Hanukkah—the Jewish Festival of Lights—even more meaningful. . . . A thoughtful exhortation to have 'the light of freedom always burn brightly in our homes and in our hearts.' (Picture book/religion. 5-7)" -- Kirkus, August 1, 2018. Read the full review.
"This beautifully illustrated handbook about Hanukkah, its rituals, and its historical origins is ostensibly for the picture book audience but can be enjoyed by the entire family. . . . what makes this book unique are the eight reflections that appear opposite lavishly illustrated spreads, encouraging a shared reading experience." -- Jewish Book Council, July 2018. Read the full review.
"Uncover everything needed for an outstanding Hanukkah in this collection of stories, scriptures, recipes, crafts, and more." -- Forward Reviews, Summer 2018. Read the full review.
"The reflections include important information about why some rituals are practiced, such as the lighting of the candles in particular ways or how the hanukkiah is constructed, or why we put it in a window for all to see. One lovely reflection highlights the shamash candle as the “helper” and asks us to remember all the people in our lives who serve and help us, including, “parents, teachers, medical professionals, librarians, police officers, firefighters, custodial workers.” -- Jewish Journal, November 28, 2018. Read the full review.
"Sure to be a treasured family favorite." -- Washington Parent, December 2018. Read the full review.
The Book of Life Podcast With Heidi Rabinowitz.
