Explore our Chanukah events for you and your little one!
CRS Celebrates Chanukah 2026
Join us to light the first candle together as this Shabbat shines with Chanukah spirit. A joyful evening of music, tradition, and community.
4:15 PM • Family Festival Before Services (Ages 0–14)
Children and families are invited to gather for holiday crafts, games, music, and treats — a fun, festive way to get ready for Chanukah.
6:00 PM • Erev Shabbat Service with Consecration (All Ages)
Following the Service • Festive Latke Oneg (All Ages)
You may request a refund up to 14 days before the event. All requests must be in writing to crs@crsnyc.org.
FRI, DEC 4
4:15 – 7:45 PM
Free for Members
Non-Member Adults: $18
Non-Member Children: Free
Sholom Sprouts Singin’ Swingin’ into Chanukah (Ages 0 to 2)
Join us for a Shabbat and Chanukah celebration, especially for our families with children ages 0-2 (plus siblings).
We’ll sing, dance, create a special Chanuakah menorah and increase our light together.
SAT, DEC 5
9:00 – 11:00 AM
About this Holiday
Chanukah starts on the 25th of Kislev, a month in the Hebrew calendar that usually falls within November or December. Also known as the Festival of Lights, the holiday celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian-Greek army. The holiday takes place for eight nights and days, commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple.
Books
Hanukkah: A Counting Book
by Emily Sper
Recommended for ages 6 Months to 2 Years
Count the number of candles lighted each night of Hanukkah in English, Hebrew and Yiddish!
Hanukkah is Coming!
by Tracy Newman
Recommended for ages 6 Months to 2 Years
Latkes are frying, the menorah is shining — what holiday is this family getting ready for? By the story’s end, your child will be reciting it with you.
How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?
by Jane Yolen
Recommended for ages 2 to 3
From the warm glow of holiday candles to the fun of family gatherings, dinosaurs love to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Sometimes the excitement of Chanukah can lead to some unexpected dinosaur behaviors!
Latke, the Lucky Dog
by Ellen Fischer
Recommended for ages 4 to 5
Latke the dog has just joined a new family — on the first night of Hanukkah! He’s lucky — but it turns out he has to learn a few things in his new home. Will he be lucky enough to still be with the family by the eighth night of Hanukkah?
Sadie’s Almost Marvelous Menorah
by Jamie Korngold
Recommended for ages 4 to 6
Sadie is so proud of the menorah she made — she can’t wait to show it to her mother! But, uh-oh — in her haste, something terrible happens. How will Sadie be able to enjoy Hanukkah now?
Ways to Celebrate
Learn about Hanukkah Traditions with Sholom Sesame
Shaboom Hanukkah Special (Bim Bam)
The Hanukkah Story for Kids Under 5
The Hanukkah Story for Kids (podcast by PJ Library)
The Ultimate List of Books about Hanukkah (PJ Library)
10 Easy (and kid approved) Hanukkah Recipes (PJ Library)
