Festival of Lights: The Story of Hanukkah

by Maida Silverman

The unforgettable story of the first Hanukkah.Long ago in Jerusalem, the greedy king Antiochus IV ordered his soldiers to steal treasures from the Holy Temple. When the Jews tried to defend their temple, the furious king punished them harshly, and the Jews were forced to observe their faith in secret. But a brave man named Judah led his people, the Maccabees, against the king's armies. Victorious, the Jews restored the Holy Temple. They dedicated it once again to God in a joyous celebration -- the very first Hanukkah.

Here is a moving retelling of a timeless story. Young readers will also find the legend of the menorah, instructions for making a "dreidle," and the music for a traditional holiday song.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Childrens, Holiday, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1987

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A factual illustrated storybook about the Maccabees and the traditional understanding of Hanukkah. Good to have as an easily understood explanation of that part of history/tradition. One part I felt was missed was that the first Hanukkah was celebrated as a second Sukkot (2Maccabees10), as they weren't able to celebrate Sukkot at the appointed time - they were still fighting and the Temple was desecrated. The menorah and dreidel traditions and the traditional song included at the end are a nice addition.

[Amyelyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

of course I had to keep adding to the collection, but oddly I think Valerie gave me this one

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a great cultural book showing religious practices and reasons from a child's point of view

[Mauri]

Really excellent illustrations, but an oddly bloodless retelling of Hanukkah's origin story.