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Glow Like The Shamash: Sharing Hanukkah’s Light With Your Kids
Glow Like The Shamash: Sharing Hanukkah’s Light With Your Kids
Glow Like The Shamash: Sharing Hanukkah’s Light With Your Kids
Hanukkah is a festival filled with light, joy, and miracles. Even the youngest children can learn how to "glow" like the shamash—the special candle on the menorah that lights all the others. As Messianic families, we have a wonderful opportunity to teach our little ones (ages 0-3) about God’s love and faithfulness during this festive season.
In this article, we’ll explore simple ways to share the light of Hanukkah with your kids, along with beautiful lessons from the Tanakh to inspire young hearts.
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What Is the Shamash?
The shamash is the "helper candle" on the menorah. It’s lit first and then used to light all the other candles, spreading light throughout the room.
Explain to your child:
> “You can be like the shamash, too! Just like it spreads light, you can share God’s love by being kind, helping others, and bringing joy to your family.”
Share this verse:
“The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD.” (Proverbs 20:27)
Even little ones can shine brightly when they show love and kindness to others!
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Light Up Their World
Children are drawn to light, and Hanukkah offers plenty of opportunities to play and learn with it. Each night, as you light the menorah together, you can make it a special moment for your child.
Activity: Candle Counting
Use the menorah to teach counting!
Count each candle as you place it in the menorah.
Celebrate how the light grows brighter with each night.
Say together:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation.” (Psalm 27:1)
This simple activity helps toddlers connect the growing light of Hanukkah with God’s presence.
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Acts of Kindness: Be a Little Shamash
Teach your child that being like the shamash means helping others. Even small acts of kindness can share God’s light.
Simple Ways to Help:
Handing a sibling a toy.
Helping clean up after playtime.
Giving hugs to family members.
Explain to them:
> “When you help others, you’re sharing God’s light, just like the shamash!”
Share this verse:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, referencing Tanakh themes of being a light to the nations.)
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The Miracle of the Oil
Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days when it seemed there wasn’t enough. This story teaches even the youngest children about God’s power to do great things.
Tell the Story Simply:
“Long ago, God’s people found a little bit of oil to light the menorah. It wasn’t enough, but God made it last for eight days! That’s why we light the menorah for eight nights—because God is amazing!”
Share this verse:
“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Help your child see that God can do wonderful things, even when it seems impossible.
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Glow with Gratitude
Hanukkah is also a time to thank God for His goodness. Teaching gratitude can begin even at a young age.
Activity: Thankfulness Tree
Cut out a simple menorah shape from paper.
Each night, write one thing your child is thankful for on a "candle" and attach it to the menorah.
By the eighth night, you’ll have a menorah glowing with gratitude!
Say together:
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)
This activity shows your little one how to shine with thankfulness to God.
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A Hanukkah Blessing for Your Child
At the end of each Hanukkah night, take a moment to bless your child.
Say:
> “May God’s light always shine in your heart, and may you grow to share His love with everyone around you.”
Hanukkah is more than candles and treats—it’s a time to plant seeds of faith, kindness, and gratitude in your child’s heart.
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Let Your Light Shine
By teaching your little one to be like the shamash, you’re helping them learn how to spread God’s light and love in the world. This Festival of Lights is the perfect time to celebrate the miracles of the past while showing your child how they can bring joy and hope to others.
As you glow like the shamash this Hanukkah, may your home be filled with light, laughter, and God’s presence!
Happy Hanukkah to your family and your little miracle!
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Keywords: Hanukkah for children, Hanukkah activities for toddlers, Messianic Jewish Hanukkah, light of Hanukkah, sharing Hanukkah’s light.
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