Making Hanukkah Memories

Posted byauthorlaurablogPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , , , , , , , ,

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.

Lighting the menorah

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 

Published by authorlaurablog

I'm a reading specialist and award winning educator from Chicago. While living in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for nine years, I spent time hiking on the trails with my Goldendoodle Charlie and friends, writing, working in a literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, and mentoring writers and teachers. I love visiting schools. My books combine STEM and Kindness. "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" a picture book that draws inspiration from the moon and the curiosity of children, inviting children to be creative, explore, and experiment. "An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story" a picture book told in the form of a newscast which skillfully balances the serious subject of forest fires with compassion and humor to help children navigate this important topic through the real events of 2020. I moved to Northern New Jersey in 2025 and am working on new projects.

22 thoughts on “Making Hanukkah Memories”

  9. 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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  11. Pingback: Surprises and Successes 12 Days of Christmas Challenge | A Picture, A Song, A Literary Quote

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