What Chanukah Means To Me

Editor's Note: In last month's
L'Chayim, we invited children to say
in 50 words or less what Chanukah
means to them. Here is a sampling
of responses we received. Due to
the volume of responses, we were
unable to print all the statements.
We want to thank all of those who
participated.

* * *

Chanukah is that special time,
For joyous recollection -
When our family gets together,
To enjoy this meaningful direction.
Grateful for this opportunity,
That we embrace and nurture,
For it started "way back then"
And enlightens all our future.
Hilary Olson, 19

* * *

When snow falls it's gentle and
it shows a sign of peace. I think that
we have Chanukah as a sign of
peace. Also, we light the menorah
because when B'nei Yisroel found
the oil it was a miracle and Hashem
made it last for eight days. It's a
sign that the war was over and
Hashem was still with B'nei Yisrael.
Ilana Forst, 8

* * *

Chanukah means to me ...
freedom, peace, love, happiness
playing, being with your family, and
just having a lot and a lot of fun.
Lighting the menorah, spinning the
dreidel, eating latkes, getting
Chanukah gelt and presents, and
singing Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel!
Carrie Apsel, 9

* * *

It means sharing time with
your family, playing dreidel with your
family and eating potato pancakes.
It means a baby getting a present
for the first time, the family
gathering around to light the
menorah, saying the blessings and
singing the songs. Remembering
Judah Maccabee and the miracle.
Chanukah is love.
Debbie Duben, 9

* * *

Chanukah for me signifies
getting together with the family and
friends, lighting of the menorah,
singing songs of Chanukah and
playing dreidel.
When my father asks me I like
to explain to him the meaning of the
letters inscribed on the dreidel. I
enjoy hearing the Chanukah stories

about the bravery of the
Maccabees.
Camelia Kapitany, 9

* * *

Chanukah is a fun holiday. It is
a holiday everybody enjoys.
Children play dreidel, my mother
makes latkes and my father sings
the brachot. Then everybody
gathers around the menorah and
lights the first candle. That candle is
glimmering on the window sill. And
that's what Chanukah means to me.
Angie Rogers

* * *

On Chanukah I think of joy, I
don't just think of money and a toy.
The Chanukah menorah is bright. It
certainly makes a pretty light!
Latkes are scrumptious and dreidels
are fun. I like Chanukah, the joy is
for everyone! Everyone come along,
enjoy Chanukah, so much fun!

-

Elana Nussbaum, 9

* * *

Chanukah is a time for
thoughtfulness and a time for
forgiveness for my family. I give
presents to my family and friends. I
am glad I am Jewish. Chanukah
means a whole lot to me.
Julie Gonte, 11

* * *

Chanukah is a time of rejoicing
and fun for the Jewish people. The
holiday is just a time to relax and
enjoy life as a Jewish person with
your own and other people's
customs.
Emily Nathan, 11

* * *

Chanukah is a fun time. We
play dreidel and sing songs. We
give presents. Our grandparents
give us Chanukah gelt. We eat
Iatkes and light the menorah's
candles every night for eight days. It
reminds us about the Bait
Hamikdash. We are thankful that
Judah Maccabee saved us.
Donna Flatt, 9

*

* *

To me Chanukah means
happiness. Chanukah is one of my
favorite holidays. On Chanukah
everybody gets presents and lots of
latkes. Latkes are my favorite
Chanukah food. My favorite thing to

do on Chanukah is giving presents.
To me Chanukah is the holiday of
happiness and full stomachs.
Esther Ahronheim, 9

I like Chanukah
For reasons one through four.
Yeah Chanukah!!!
Daniel Pearlberg, 9

* * *

* * *

I like Chanukah
For reasons A through Z.
I like Chanukah
'Cause it's time to sing.
I like Chanukah
Day and night.
I like Chanukah
And I wish it was tonight.
I like Chanukah
'Cause we won the war.

Today we celebrate Chanukah
by eating Iatkes, playing dreidel and
getting presents for each night. We
remember Yehudah Hamaccabee
and all those who took the risk of
dying for the freedom of the Jewish
people in Israel and practicing the
Jewish religion in Beth Hamikdash
and all of Israel.
Elite Ben-Ozer, 9

THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS

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