As educators of K-12 students, it’s important to be inclusive and informed about the various cultural and religious celebrations that take place throughout the year. One such celebration is the Jewish festival of lights, often referred to as either Hanukkah or Chanukah. This blog post will explore the differences between these two terms and provide helpful tips for teaching students about this significant holiday.
Why are there two spellings?
The debate between “Hanukkah” and “Chanukah” lies in the Hebrew origins of the word חנוכה (Hanukah). In Hebrew, the first letter of Hanukah is pronounced with a guttural sound not found in English, leading to varying transliterations into English. As a result, some people use the “H” to represent this sound and write “Hanukkah,” while others use “Ch” for “Chanukah.” Both spellings are widely accepted and recognized, so don’t worry about which one is “correct.”
Background Information:
Having a basic understanding of Hanukkah/Chanukah’s origins is essential when explaining this celebration to your students. The holiday commemorates the victory of a small group of Jewish fighters known as the Maccabees over the Greek-Syrian oppressors who sought to eradicate Jewish religious practices. After reclaiming their Holy Temple in Jerusalem, there was only enough oil left to keep the menorah (a ceremonial seven-branched candelabrum) lit for one day. Miraculously, however, it burned for eight days straight – just enough time for new oil supplies to arrive.
Teaching Activities
1. Menorah Art Project: Encourage students’ creativity by giving them a chance to design and decorate their own paper menorahs using craft materials. This also serves as an excellent opportunity to discuss the symbolism of the menorah and its significance in Hanukkah celebrations.
2. Dreidel Game: Teach students how to play the traditional Hanukkah game of dreidel, which is played with a spinning top called a dreidel and tokens such as coins or candy. The game can be used to discuss the history behind the dreidel and provide a fun group activity for your class.
3. Story Time: Share engaging children’s books related to Hanukkah, such as “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” by Eric Kimmel or “The Eight Nights of Hanukkah” by Lesléa Newman. Reading these stories can be a great way to encourage discussions about the holiday’s themes, values, and traditions.
In conclusion, educating students about Hanukkah/Chanukah not only widens their understanding of different cultural practices but also fosters an environment of appreciation and inclusivity. By exploring the similarities between “Hanukkah” and “Chanukah” spelling variations, familiarizing yourself with the historical background, and engaging students in creative activities, you can effectively teach them about this important celebration.
