In this sequal to A Different Night: The Family Participation Haggadah (Shalom Hartman Institute, 1997), Noam Sachs Zion and Barbara Spectre provide, according to the title page, "a how-to guide to a creative candle lighting ceremony: blessings, songs, stories, readings, games and cartoons to engage adults, teenagers and children on each of the eight nights" of Hanukkah. In A Different Light, one can find many resources to enhance the celebration of Hanukkah in any setting: home, classroom, youth group, or synagogue. Many of the sections are organized in sets of eight, to provide one activity for each night.

Included are profiles in modern Jewish courage, as well as historic or midrashic passages related to Hanukkah and meant to be read aloud. Readings bring out the holiday's relevance to contemporary and historic events and themes, both Jewish and secular. Also provided for each night are "spiritual mediations for personal rededication and family renewal," comics, food recipes and symbolism, games and activities, ideas for gift and gelt giving, and the origin of Hanukkah customs. Of great interest is the section on Hanukkah versus Christmas, which will prove a helpful resource in encouraging children to be proud of their Jewish heritage and avoid mimicking Christian customs of this time of year. The authors also provide a wonderful selection of artwork related to Hanukkah in beautiful color plates and the reflections of contemporary Jewish thinkers on the relevance of Hanukkah today. The book ends with a useful, comprehensive section of Frequently Asked Questions about Hanukkah.

This work would make a great addition to any library. Certain readers might have to be careful to choose only those sections that are relevant to their beliefs and background, but it is hoped that readers will know which sections appear to be of most use in their accustomed setting.

Association Of Jewish Libraries Newsletter
September/October 2001