Hanukkah Videos for Children


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Shalom Sesame #2: Chanukah, The Missing Menorah (2010)



Available Format:
DVD

It’s time to celebrate Chanukah in Israel! Grover’s bringing the latkes and all is well until Anneliese gets caught in a game of tag with a chicken and loses her special menorah … just as Chanukah is about to begin! Can her friends find the missing menorah in time? Guest appearance by Debi Mazar.

Description from Manufacturer

Shalom Sesame : The Complete Set (1987)



Available Format:
DVD

From Aleph to Zion and Bert to Ernie, welcome to the wonderful world of SHALOM SESAME: THE COMPLETE SET, a fun-filled, fact-filled journey to Israel and its rich cultural heritage.

Now on DVD, the best-selling SHALOM SESAME: THE COMPLETE SET features the following 11 programs on 5 discs: The Land of Israel, Tel Aviv, Kibbutz, The People of Israel, Jerusalem, Chanukah, Sing Around the Seasons, Journey to Secret Places, Aleph-Bet Telethon, Passover, and Kids Sing Israel. It stars Itzhak Perlman, Bonnie Franklin, Jeremy Miller, Jerry Stiller and Sarah Jessica Parker, with guest appearances by Mary Tyler Moore, Mandy Patinkin, Joan Rivers, Alan King, Nell Carter, Joshua Rifkind, Tracey Gold, Paul Shaffer, Anne Meara, B.B. King and Oscar the Grouch.

Description from Manufacturer
Chanukah on Sesame Street

Chanukah on Sesame Street
Shalom Sesame #6: Chanukah (1987)


Available Format:
DVD and VHS

Bert, Ernie, Grover, Cookie Monster, and other "Sesame Street" favorites are off on a magical tour of Israel. Your child will thrill to the sounds of their favorite pals talking in Hebrew and English, while host Jeremy Miller recalls the story of the Maccabees and the long, hallowed tradition behind the Festival of Lights.

This program focuses on Chanukah: the main stories, symbols and traditions associated with this holiday. Shalom Sesame's new guest host, Jeremy Miller, learns about "oofganiot" and how fried foods symbolize the oil that burned in the Temple for eight days.

Chanuka & Passover at Bubbe's


(DVD Version)
Chanukah At Bubbe's:

This was the first release in the "Bubbe's Boarding House" series of Jewish children's videos. It got rave reviews and awards when it first came out back in 1989, and is still one of the best Hanukkah videos on the market. It's done with a very creative cast of puppets, and the Hanukkah story is told in a way that kids of all ages can relate to.

Bubbe is a loving Jewish grandmother who runs a boarding house, where a variety of characters live and work together to do the chores around the place. Most of them are cooperative and get along well together, but, as often happens, there's that one egotist who thinks the world revolves around him. So of course, he ends up playing King Antiochus, the Greek ruler in the Hanukkah story who ordered the Jews to worship his statue. After the story is told and the lessons learned, everyone sings Hanukkah songs together, including a very catchy original that goes, "We light up the candles every night -- it's a beautiful sight!"

Description from Amazon.com Customer Review


Passover at Bubbe's:

This video is done by the same puppet troupe (and has the same characters) as the award-winning Chanukkah at Bubbe's and is the second in their Jewish holiday series. That was the reason I bought it sight unseen -- and I was not disappointed. In fact, I think this video even surpasses the Chanukkah episode.

Bubbe is everybody's loveable Jewish grandmother, who runs a boarding house with a zany variety of characters living there. In this story, all -- well, almost all -- of them pitch in to help Bubbe get ready for Passover. You guessed it -- the lazy guy who tries to get everybody else to do his share of the work for him ends up as Pharoah in the flashback to the days of Moses.

Among of the cutest things on the video are the talking haggadah (Passover book) and the various ritual foods that come to life on the seder plate. The songs are good, too, combining old favorites with new originals. (The "Bubbe's Boarding House" theme song, while not about Passover per se, sure is catchy.) Every kid I have shown this to -- Jewish or not -- has absolutely loved it. Adults will enjoy it, too!

Description from Amazon.com Customer Review

Hanukkah:
Tales & Tunes / Miracles & Wonders

Featuring the Songs of Debbie Friedman


(DVD Version)
Celebrate Hanukkah with song, story, and puppetry. This 159-minute DVD features a 30-minute video program and an audio-only program by Debbie Friedman. In the video portion, "Hanukkah Tales & Tunes," K.J. the puppet wants to learn about Hanukkah. K.J.'s human friends introduce him to the stories of Antiocus Epiphanes, the miracle of the holy oil, and the dreidel through songs like "Miracles Aren't Just Magic," an enactment of "Galya and the Goblin," and heavily choreographed dances. Dan Crow and Fred Sokolow perform "The Dreidel Song" and Caren Glasser sings a "Hanukkah Medley." Debbie Friedman's "Miracles and Wonders: A Hanukkah Musical" and "A Purim Musical" (previously released on CD) comprise the audio portion of the DVD. Friedman's pure voice is pleasing and her music and lyrics bring Hanukkah traditions to life. The "Purim Musical" consists of songs written from the points of view of five major Purim figures. This DVD is both entertaining and educational.

Description from Amazon.com

Fun for kids, fun for the whole family. Now, for the first time on DVD, Amy Weintraub's award-winning video, Hanukkah Tales & Tunes is coupled with the full musical program of Debbie Friedman's Miracles & Wonders in a separate audio section. This deluxe package tells the story of Hanukkah in song and dance and features lyrics to all the songs in a special six-page booklet. As a bonus, there are more songs of freedom and liberation for Purim in the audio chapter.

Miracles & Wonders song list includes:
  • Miracles Aren't Just Magic
  • Antiochus Epiphanes
  • One More Day of Oil
  • Not By Might-Not By Power
  • Light the Menorah
  • The Dreidel Song
  • The Latke Song
  • The Light of Hope


A Purim Musical song list includes:
  • Vashti's Song
  • Achashveirosh's Song
  • Haman's Song
  • Mordechai's Song
  • Esther's Song
  • Sing a Song of Freedom


Description from Publisher

Lamb Chop's Chanukah & Passover Surprise

Featuring Shari Lewis


(DVD Version)
Two festive and fun holiday specials starring Shari Lewis, Lamb Chop and pals. First, Shari and the gang are joined by celebrity friends Alan Thicke and Pat Morita for "Lamb Chop's Special Chanukah." Then, Charlie Horse convinces Dom DeLuise to prepare a seder in "Shari's Passover Surprise."

Product Description

A Rugrats Passover / A Rugrats Chanukah
Contains A Rugrats Chanukah and A Rugrats Passover - in a collectible holiday gift set.

A Rugrats Chanukah



The Rugrats' Book of Chanukah
Picture Book Also Available
It's Chanukah the Rugrats way: Tommy the Macabee, an ancient idol named Cynthia (isn't that the name of Angelica's favorite doll?), and Stu's own turbo-charged menorah, which promises to bring down the house in every sense. This very good holiday special will certainly satisfy Rugrats fans, but also has crossover appeal to anyone looking for a very funny holiday program.
Chanukah on Sesame Street
Shalom Sesame #6: Chanukah
Bert, Ernie, Grover, Cookie Monster, and other "Sesame Street" favorites are off on a magical tour of Israel. Your child will thrill to the sounds of their favorite pals talking in Hebrew and English, while host Jeremy Miller recalls the story of the Maccabees and the long, hallowed tradition behind the Festival of Lights.

This program focuses on Chanukah: the main stories, symbols and traditions associated with this holiday. Shalom Sesame's new guest host, Jeremy Miller, learns about "oofganiot" and how fried foods symbolize the oil that burned in the Temple for eight days.

Chanuka at Bubbe's
This was the first release in the "Bubbe's Boarding House" series of Jewish children's videos. It got rave reviews and awards when it first came out back in 1989, and is still one of the best Hanukkah videos on the market. It's done with a very creative cast of puppets, and the Hanukkah story is told in a way that kids of all ages can relate to.

Bubbe is a loving Jewish grandmother who runs a boarding house, where a variety of characters live and work together to do the chores around the place. Most of them are cooperative and get along well together, but, as often happens, there's that one egotist who thinks the world revolves around him. So of course, he ends up playing King Antiochus, the Greek ruler in the Hanukkah story who ordered the Jews to worship his statue. After the story is told and the lessons learned, everyone sings Hanukkah songs together, including a very catchy original that goes, "We light up the candles every night -- it's a beautiful sight!"

Description from Amazon.com Customer Review
Chanukah on Planet Matzah Ball
Chanukah on Planet Matzah Ball
Millions of miles away, on a giant Matzah Ball in outer space, lives a Jewish family of funny, furry aliens who, sadly have lost most of their Jewish traditions. One day, a menorah traveling through space crash lands on Planet Matzah Ball, and an engaging and informative story unfolds.

A highly imaginative Chanukah tale whose puppets, animation, and music bring to life the wonderful traditions of the holiday, Chanukah on Planet Matzah Ball deserves a place in every home.

Product Description from Manufacturer

Alef Bet Blastoff:
A Chanukah Mitzvah
This imaginative children's series explores Jewish holidays, history, values, and traditions through the adventures of a lively and engaging puppet family. With mystery, music, and humor, the programs present age-old stories and enduring moral issues in creative, easily understandable ways. Guest stars include Ed Asner, Dom DeLuise, and Elliott Gould.

In each of the eight episodes, the magical Mitzvah Mouse takes Rachel and David to meet important figures in Jewish history. The children journey through time to learn lessons of Jewish tradition from the likes of Abraham, Jonah, Maimonides, Queen Esther, and Judah Maccabee. Through their exciting exploits, the puppet family discovers how Jewish values apply to life in America today.

In A Chanukah Mitzvah, David is struggling with the Christmas dilemma. He would like to be like the other kids and have a tree, which he thinks is pretty and not really a religious symbol. He is excited about playing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the school play. Helping Judah Maccabbee and his brothers helps him understand that Jews have their own special religions and that Hanukkah reminds us of the value of religious freedom.

Lamb Chop's Special Chanukah





(Accomopanying songbook also available)
Lamb Chop's Special Chanukah is a whimsical musical celebration of the holidays for all families. From traditional delights like latkes and the story of Chanukah to the hilariouly off-beat search by Charlie Horse for the perfect computer superhero, this video creates a truly multicultural experience. Shari and Lamb Chop affirm the spirit of this jouyous holiday with good friends Pat Morita and Alan Thicke, while inviting all faiths to share in learning and experiencing the delights of Jewish culture. So, invite Shari and the gang into your home and classroom this season for a unique and memorable holiday celebration.

Description from Publisher

Maccabees: The Story of Hanukkah
Journey back in time to Palestine of the second century B.C.E., where Antiochus, a Syrian-Greek king, rules over the people of Israel. In a land where refusing to submit to the Greek gods resulted in the persecution and death of many Jews, a group known as the Maccabees struggled to hold true to the faith of their fathers. Learn of the spirit of the Maccabees in this adventurous story that details the origins of the Hanukkah celebration. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music.

Description from Publisher

Holidays For Children: Hanukkah/Passover
Two Jewish celebrations - Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, and Passover, a celebration of freedom and renewal - are presented to children through illustrated stories, puppets and songs. Youngsters learn about the miracle of the Menorah as they light Hanukkah candles, play games and sing songs, while a traditional Seder meal introduces children to the joy of Passover. A visit to a matzo bakery, performances by Jewish folk singers and a dreidel-making activity capture the joyous nature of these holidays.

Description from Publisher

There's No Such Thing as a Chanukah Bush, Sandy Goldstein





Chapter Book also available
Awards:
  • 1998 Emmy Award Winner ("Outstanding Achievement for Children's Programs")
  • The Golden Eagle: Cine 1995 (The Council on International Nontheatrical Events)
  • Silver Plaque for Children's Films at the International Film Festival in Chicago
  • Bronze Plaque from the Columbus International Film & Video Festival
  • Second prize for Live Action Short Video at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival


Almost every Jewish child who lives in the U.S. has experienced it: that longing for a Christmas tree. And every now and then, he or she may encounter a child who has a Chanukah Bush, which is just "like a Christmas tree... but it's for Jews." Parents may find themselves hard pressed to explain why they won't put a tree up in their own home, even though others may do so. There's No Such Thing as a Chanukah Bush, Sandy Goldstein is the Emmy-winning (for Outstanding Achievement for Children's Programs) 23-minute film about young Robin, a girl who wants a tree so badly that she dreams of decorated trees beckoning to her. Despite her mother's explanation that people are Jewish in different ways, which is why Sandy Goldstein can have a Christmas tree and they cannot, Robin still desires one of her own. A night out at a Christmas party with her grandfather changes her wishes, though, when she learns that it's OK to enjoy other people's trees as you help them celebrate their holidays, just as they can help you celebrate yours. "There's a difference between celebrating something because you believe in it and helping friends celebrate something because they believe in it." This is a lovely story that will appeal to young children and help them to understand and appreciate the traditions and cultures of others.

Lights:
The Miracle of Chanukah
To be honest, I expected this to be yet another tired re-telling of the Maccabees versus the Greeks. I was pleasantly surprised, and this video quickly became one of my all-time favorite Hanukkah movies for children -- and adults, too!

In this presentation, the war theme is thankfully kept to a minimum. Instead, the focus is on the question of forced assimilation of the Jews into Greek culture. This is represented by the use of dancing animated Hebrew letters -- the "lights" -- that follow the Jewish characters and come floating up from the Torah scroll as it is read, etc. The replacement of the brilliant, dancing Hebrew letters with sluggish, duller Greek ones -- and the social oppression that follows -- is overcome, of course, by the Jewish heroes, who free the lights to shine brightly once more.

I especially liked the idea that the kids in the opening scene (in ancient Israel) are the same kids as in the closing scene (in modern times) which gives a sense of cultural continuity "from generation to generation." This is a story that is written on many levels, and will be enojyed by your family every year. Highly recommended!

Description from Amazon.com Customer Review

A charming retelling of the Hanukkah story, the struggle of a people to maintain their religious beliefs and observances in the face of adversity. Also addresses the issue of religious freedom and the right to be different. Narrated by Judd Hirsch and Leonard Nimoy.

Hanukkah Tales & Tunes
This video tells the story of Hanukkah and some of the customs surrounding the holiday. There are songs, dances, and skits. The song about Antiochus sticks in my head. My daughter (age 3) asks to get this tape from the library over and over--I finally bought her a copy of her own.

Description from Amazon.com Customer Review

Aaron's Magic Village
On Sunday, G-d rested. On Monday, He sent intelligence, wisdom, and foolishness to the world. Unfortunately, the careless messenger carrying foolishness dropped his load upon the village of Chelm instead of sprinkling it evenly across the world. The village is indeed a town of foolish people, though they perceive themselves as very wise. A nearby evil sorcerer detests the Chelmites and is angered by their lack of respect for him and steals the Book of Marvels. The newly orphaned Aaron is the only person who can retrieve the Book of Marvels and save Chelm (and indeed the rest of the world) by destroying the sorcerer. This video is based on stories by Nobel Prize-winning author Isaac Bashevis Singer and runs approximately 80 minutes. It is skillfully animated and features a plethora of touching, powerful songs by Michel Legrand (Yentl, Summer of '42) and Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof). While the action takes place during the days of Hanukkah and much of the story is tied to the Jewish faith, children of all religions will be held equally spellbound throughout Aaron's quest.

Description from Amazon.com

Lovely Butterfly:
Chanukah
From the popular Israeli TV show "Lovely Butterfly." This program explains the meaning and the traditions of this holiday and features two of Israel's most popular performers in stories, games and familiar Chanukah songs. For ages 2-6.

A Taste of Chanukah
Most watching A Taste of Chanukah expect the customary recounting of how the Maccabees' oil lasted eight days instead of one allowing them to defeat the Syrians. And it's no surprise when host Theodore Bikel breaks into "Oh Chanukah" in Hebrew. But women singing "Ocho Candelitas" in Spanish? Or a gospel choir joining in on "Labach Heil"? This is not your ordinary Chanukah. In fact, this eclectic celebration of the Jewish Festival of Lights musically directed by Hankus Netsky features 150 musicians from the New England Conservatory of Music. Other participants include the Boston Community Gospel Choir, Cantor Morton Shames, a klezmer band, and an irreverent latke cooking demonstration by humorist Chasia Segal, who pokes fun at pancakes, food processors, and the Internet. The families in the audience laugh, applaud, and absorb the more solemn moments of this 56-minute PBS extravaganza with equal enthusiasm. Traditionalists get their lighting of the Menorah. Rebels get an R&B version of "The Dreidle Song." Everyone leaves happy.

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