Coloring pages, crafts, printables and puzzles for kids from Activity Village

	Don't miss...
	Summer
	Fourth of July
	Olympics
	Narnia
	Teacher "thank yous"
	Back To School

120 Sudoku Puzzles specially graded for kids! Download and print now!

Squabbling siblings? Chores not getting done? The
Better Behavior Wheel can help!

Lose fat and get fit - diet and exercise program designed specially for busy moms!

Hanukkah For Kids

All NEW!

In 2008 Hanukkah will begin on 21st December.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah (also known as Chanukah) is the Jewish Fesival of Lights and lasts eight days. It usually falls in late November or December.

Jews celebrate Hanukkah to commemorate the Miracle of the Oil. The Hebrew word Hanukkah means "dedication". Over 2000 years ago, in 165 BC, the Jews in Judea rebelled against their Syrian ruler, Antiochus, because he insisted that all Jewish people must worship Greek Gods. After three hard years of fighting, the Jews defeated Antiochus and, to celebrate, they restored the Temple of Jerusalem - which had been taken over by the Syrians - and rededicated it to their God.

As part of the celebrations they lit an oil lamp which should have been kept burning all the time, even though they could only find enough oil to keep it burning for one night. But a miracle occurred, and the oil lamp stayed lit for eight days, which was the time it took to make new oil for the lamp. This was the Miracle of the Oil.

It was then declared that every year, Jews would remember the day with an eight-day Festival of Lights and celebrate the miracle of the oil by placing eight candles in a Menorah (a special candlestick) and lighting one candle for each evening of the celebration. Electric lights are sometimes used, especially where where an open flame might be dangerous, such as a hospital room. The Hanukkah lights are meant to remind those walking by the home about the holiday’s miracle, so the Menorah is displayed at a prominent window or near the front door.

During Hanukkah, people exchange gifts and give to the poor and needy.

Hanukkah for Kids at Activity Village

Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah as a family, or learning about Hanukkah, we hope that you will find some of our Hanukkah crafts, printables and puzzles fun! Explore the links below..

Hanukkah Crafts
We have three fun Menorah crafts, a dreidel to print, decorate and play with, a Star of David craft, and some potato printing ideas!