When the Jews went into the Temple, there was only one jar of oil, enough to light the candles for just one day — but the Talmud says the oil burned for eight days, which gave them time to get more oil. This is why it’s also called “the Festival of Lights.” It’s a holiday that celebrates liberation and the refusal to assimilate, as well as the miracle of the oil. To celebrate, Ashkenazi Jews (those with Central/Eastern European ancestry) eat foods fried in oil like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts), as well as dairy, to honor Judith, who gave the Assyrian king lots of cheese and wine, then cut his head off after he passed out. Sephardic Jews, those with familial roots in Spain or Portugal, celebrate with foods like cassola (sweet cheese pancakes), buñuelos (fried fritters with an orange glaze), and keftes de prasa (fried leek patties). Mizrahi Jews come from the SWANA region (Southwest Asia and North Africa), and traditional Hanukkah foods consist of spanj (crispy fried bread that can be sweet or savory), kubbeh (fried dumpling), pastelim (potato dumplings filled with meat), or svinge (fried sweet dough with chocolate or jam). Each night we light one candle of the menorah until all of the candles are lit, banishing darkness with light. We play dreidel, exchange gifts, and sing songs. But what to read over Hanukkah? Here are some fun Hanukkah books to grab during the holiday — whether you’re looking for picture books, middle grade, YA, or adult, there’s something for everyone on this list. While each book may not be specifically about Hanukkah, they all have themes that go along with the holiday, or they’re a fun escape.
Children’s Hanukkah Books
YA Hanukkah Books
Adult Hanukkah Books
If you’re looking for even more great Hanukkah books to read during the holiday, check out this suggested Hanukkah reading list of great Jewish books, or this post on Hanukkah picture books. What will you be reading over Hanukkah?
