My First Hanukkah Dictionary — Ages 6+

"My First Hanukkah Dictionary — Ages 6+" by Tessa Bloom introduces young readers to forty key terms associated with the Hanukkah festival. Each word is presented with an illustration, pronunciation guidance, and a brief definition, accompanied by a small scene depicting its use in various settings like home, synagogue, or community gatherings. The book explores terms such as *hanukkiah*, *shamash*, *Maccabees*, *dreidel*, and *latke*, providing a comprehensive vocabulary for understanding the holiday.

This dictionary goes beyond simple labeling by categorizing each entry with symbols indicating its relation to history, liturgy, rabbinic tradition, Halakha, food, language, or specific customs. It includes distinct entries for the Books of Maccabees, the Al HaNissim prayer, and the Babylonian Talmud, ensuring historical accuracy regarding the oil account. The book acknowledges Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, Hebrew, Yiddish, and American terminology within their proper contexts, without suggesting universal usage. Cross-references encourage children to connect related concepts, while a note for adults addresses flame safety and local pronunciations. The book also features word games designed for sorting, matching, and explanation, fostering an engaging and explorative learning experience.