Just like other Jewish holidays, Chanukah is a holiday which is full of traditions. Most of these traditions like lighting the Chanukah menorah and saying Jewish blessings are based on religious history while some traditions were created to add fun to the celebration of Chanukah. Create your own Chanukah family tradition which you will pass on to the next generation.
- Traditions are created for a purpose. Determine your family’s goal in starting a unique family tradition.
- Start on a tradition that will involve everyone on the family. Your tradition need not be complicated. It can be as simple as lighting the menorah with the entire family, cooking and hosting a party or family reunion, or going to the synagogue on Chanukah.
- Make a few revisions or improvements on your family tradition each year to make each year’s celebration of Chanukah more exciting.
- Choose one particular Chanukah activity and make it your own. For example, if your family is fond of gift giving, you can celebrate Chanukah each year in a charitable institution or in a children’s shelter and give gifts to the needy instead of the traditional gift giving activity within the family.