Last weeks books of the week were Chanukah Lights Everywhere by Michael J Rosen and Hanukkah Hamster by Michelle Markel. With the holidays upon us it's a great time to learn about the wide variety of traditions celebrated by our diverse communities here at Pilgrim; and last week we focused on Hanukkah. Chanukah Lights Everywhere tells the story of a family celebrating Chanukah in their neighborhood and marveling at the Festival of Lights. A brother and a sister count all the lights they see in their neighborhood and considers what it means to be Jewish in a world with so many other traditions. Hanukkah Hamster tells the story of a cab driver named Edgar who finds a little hamster in his cab but doesn't know which of his passengers lost it. While waiting for someone to claim the hamster he decides to take the little hamster home and celebrate Hanukkah with it. They spend time together eating traditional Hanukkah dishes, lighting the menorah and talking about his family back home in Israel. He eventually finds the hamsters owner who is moved by the bond Edgar has formed with the hamster and allows him to keep it. Both stories really embody the spirit of the holidays and display themes of sharing, spending time with family and enjoying traditions.
