Ninth Night of Hanukkah: Holiday Event Kit for the Whole Community

NINTH NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: COMMUNITY HOLIDAY EVENT KIT

Best Users: Librarians, Educators, Home Learners, Synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, Interfaith Organizations
Best Audience: Children Grades 01-06

ABOUT THE EVENT KIT

During Hanukkah, candles are lit to symbolize each of the eight nights of the celebration. But in a Hanukkah menorah, there is a ninth candle: the shamash. This “helper” candle is used to light all of the others.

In the picture book, Max and Rachel’s family moves into a new apartment right before Hanukkah and cannot find the box with their menorah and other cherished holiday objects. Their new neighbors pitch in with creative ways to help them celebrate. Max and Rachel are inspired to invite all of the neighbors over to show their appreciation and share their traditions. They name this impromptu event the Ninth Night of Hanukkah or “Shamash Night.”

This Event Kit, invites families, synagogues, community centers, schools, and libraries to hold their own Shamash Night event. With a read-aloud, discussion, and activities, you can help children (and the whole community) make connections between giving and receiving help, and demonstrate the ways in which individuals make a community stronger and more vibrant.

“Like the shamash, individual people have the power to spark change and brighten the lives of those around them. That’s why Hanukkah is the perfect time for all of us to show appreciation for those who help us, help others, and help heal the world.” —Author Erica S. Perl

The Kit includes:
— Event Ideas
— Community Partner Ideas
— Zoom Adaptations
— Printable Poster and Social Media Images
— Decorations
— Printable Invitations & Thank You Cards
— Rabbis’ Blessing
— Jewish Cultural Guide
— Menorah / Shamash Candle Paper Craft


DOWNLOAD Ninth Night of Hanukkah: Shamash Night Event Kit (PDF)

If you are holding an event or were at an event, these downloads might be handy!

DOWNLOAD Shamash Night: Event Poster (PDF)
DOWNLOAD Shamash Night: Pennants (PDF)
DOWNLOAD Shamash Night : Social Media Rectangle (JPG)
DOWNLOAD Shamash Night : Social Media Square (JPG)

DOWNLOAD Shamash Night: Invitation Cards (PDF)
DOWNLOAD Shamash Night: Thank You Card (PDF)

Images © Shahar Kober

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Ninth Night of Hanukkah
By Erica S. Perl
Illustrated by Shahar Kober
Published by Sterling Children’s Books
ISBN-13: 9781454940883
Age Range: Ages 4+

A heartwarming picture book with a fresh twist on a Hanukkah celebration: celebrating a ninth night with new neighbors and friends!

It’s Hanukkah, and Max and Rachel are excited to light the menorah in their family’s new apartment. But, unfortunately, their Hanukkah box is missing. So now they have no menorah, candles, dreidels, or, well, anything! Luckily, their neighbors are happy to help, offering thoughtful and often humorous stand-in items each night. And then, just as Hanukkah is about to end, Max and Rachel, inspired by the shamash (“helper”) candle, have a brilliant idea: they’re going to celebrate the Ninth Night of Hanukkah as a way to say thanks to everyone who’s helped them!

In a world marred by light pollution, this quest for true darkness is a clarion call to turn out the lights—so that all may see.

“Alongside matter-of-fact prose, unassuming, warm pictures by Kober make this a lovely tale of holiday-making and community-building in a multicultural world.”
—Publishers Weekly
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“This pleasant tale will be as useful on a community-helper shelf as in the holiday collection.”
—Kirkus Reviews
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“Oh, what a wonderful book! Erica Perl’s miraculous pen has crafted a story of kindness, creativity, cooperation, and community, complete with latkes, jelly donuts, chocolate gelt—and pizza! What more could a reader want? I am sure this book will inspire many, many families to celebrate the new tradition of Shamash Night for many years to come.”
—Lesléa Newman, National Jewish Book Award Winner
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“This clever and charming book honors children’s creativity and resourcefulness. What a miracle it would be if we all showed our appreciation for the diverse lives of the community that surrounds and uplifts us. Like the Shammes candle, may we reach out and share our light. From now on my family will be celebrating the Ninth Night!”
—Richard Michelson, National Jewish Book Award Winner

THE GIVEAWAY WINNERS

22 individual copies of The Ninth Night of Hanukkah were given away to educators, librarians, or community groups in October 2020. Our thanks to Sterling Publishing for the generous donation!