This post is my entry for Susanna Leonard Hill’s Holiday contest. The rules can be found here: Details and fine print
Making Hanukkah Memories (225 words)
Shaina knew the Hanukkah story …
the miracle of one night’s oil lasting for eight …
how this connected her with Jews around the world and throughout history.
She could recite the candle-lighting prayers in both Hebrew and English.
But for Shaina, family traditions meant just as much. Every year, Bubbe visited from far away.
Together, they enjoyed the sizzle of the oil …
the scent of frying dough …
the delicious warmth of sufganiyot …
a holiday treat for all their senses.
But this year Shaina and Mommy planned a surprise.
“Bubbe!” Shaina pulled her grandma inside. Bubbe sniffed the air for the familiar smells of Hanukkah treats. Nothing. Bubbe looked puzzled.
“Tonight we’re going to see the World’s Largest Menorah.”
Shaina, Mommy, and Bubbe rode the subway to the city. They swayed as it raced around a curve. She squeezed their hands when the train stopped. Shaina’s eyes grew big when they reached the sidewalk. Smiles spread across their faces. A giant menorah loomed above 5th Avenue.
The scent of oil filled the air. They shared sufganiyot. as a crane climbed to light the Shamash candle and then the first night’s candle. Beneath the glow of the menorah, they discovered boxes with small menorahs for children to take home. Shaina chose one. A menorah of her own! Making new memories is the best holiday treat of all.
World’s Largest Menorah history and 2019 schedule
Glossary:
Bubbe – Grandma in Yiddish
sufganiyot – Donut in Hebrew
menorah – a nine-branched candle holder used at Hanukkah
shamash – helper in Hebrew; the shamash candle is the one used to light the other candles in the menorah
Laura Roettiger Books 
Laura…this is a beautiful story! I love everything about it…all good wishes for the contest…And I love that you provided the back matter and links! Well done!
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Thank so much, Vivian! The inspiration for all of it was right here in front of me. 🥰❤️❤️
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This is a lovely story. Very real and full of heart. Good luck in the contest!
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Thank you so much, MaryAnn! Please let me know if you have an entry in the contest and which one it is so that I can read yours too.
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This is a lovely story!
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Thank you so much for reading it and your kind words.
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Wonderful story, Laura! So many sensory details that are meaningful to a child. Great job!
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Thank you so much, Jilanne. This one was a labor of love and the revision was equally enjoyable.
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The love shows!
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🥰🥰🥰
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Beautiful! So many senses and details in so few lovely words. Well done!
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Thank you Beth! It was a fun story to write. Please let me know if you’ve also entered the contest so that I can look for your entry.
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I love this sweet family adventure and love the extra information you provided too!
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Thank you for reading my story and your kind words. 💜💜💜
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This is beautiful. I love your structure. Good luck in the contest!
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Thank you so much Rose!
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Very well done. I love the treasure of family and community. Best of luck!
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Thank you, Maria! It was really a fun story to write and I think this is just the beginning.
I liked your contest entry but I wasn’t able to comment on your link.
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Is this a real event that happens in the city? I love that there were three generations able to create this new memory together. Well-told story!
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Thank you, Colleen. And yes, it’s real. I included a link in the post if you’d like to read more about the history of the battle for the largest menorah. The other one which wasn’t awarded the title is in Brooklyn.
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That would definitely be a sight to see!
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