Download bold and easy pictures in PDF format to your device and teach the youngest generation of your family how to fill these coloring sheets with vibrant hues. These free printable Hanukkah coloring pages will enable you to organize engaging activities for your children and help them develop their fine motor skills. Explore the deepest meaning of the Feast of Dedication with your kids and help them discover new combinations of hues to create well-balanced compositions.
Top 5 Things to Tell Your Children About Hanukkah Coloring Pages
Whether you want to add an element of sophistication to your interiors and decorate your house with Hanukkah coloring pages or use them to create thoughtful DIY gifts for the members of your extended family, be sure to teach your children the meaning of the symbols on these pictures. It will allow them to discover more about the history of Judaism.
Lighting the Menorah
On many Hanukkah coloring pages, you can see an intricate menorah, the main symbol of the holiday that conveys a sense of warmth. When teaching my children the meaning of this symbol, I try to simplify the story behind it while emphasizing its spiritual significance. I tell them that the Festival of Lights is all about sharing joy. It commemorates the miracle that happened after the destruction of the temple by enemies, when a candle flame stayed lit for eight days and eight nights.
Our family gathers on the first day, and I light the menorah candles and recite blessings. It’s a wonderful day to have a family dinner and share gifts. You can tell your kids about the symbolism of light and sing songs together while coloring pages featuring menorahs and other symbols.
Honoring the Torah
After seeing the Torah on Hanukkah coloring pages, your children might ask you about it. I usually explain that its story begins with the creation of our world, and it allows us to understand the laws of God. Tell kids that all synagogues have a copy of this important book written by hand on parchment scrolls. It shows people the righteous way of life and allows them to discover the deep meaning of Jewish teachings.
Even though Hanukkah wasn’t directly mentioned in the Torah, as the miracle it commemorates happened a thousand years after this book was written in 1273 BCE, you can use this curious fact to emphasize the deep roots of Jewish tradition. Children will be thrilled to learn why Jewish congregations read from the Torah all across the globe.
Coloring the Star of Davi
Being one of the easiest symbols to color, this six-pointed star, also called the Shield of David, emphasized the role of God as protector. Many Hanukkah coloring pages feature this symbol in its basic or more complex form, so children naturally become curious about it. When explaining its meaning, I told my kids that it became the official symbol of the Jewish community in Prague in the Middle Ages and later became recognized as the emblem of Judaism.
Your children will love the story of the warrior king who defeated the enemies using his cunning wits. However, be sure to tell them that the Magen David symbol was never used by the kind himself. It is rather an emblem that reminds people of his legendary bravery. Even though the original Star of David is blue, kids can choose any color.
Why Do Children Love Sufganiyots?
You will see traditional sufganiyots on many Hanukkah coloring pages. These are deep-fried donuts filled with delicious jam or jelly and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Even though they became a part of Hanukkah celebrations only a few centuries ago, they are considered an important symbol of the Festival of Lights.
My children were thrilled when I told them that God gave Adam and Eve one of such donuts when they had to leave the Garden of Eden. Share this traditional tale with them to teach them Israeli traditions and folklore.
As there are so many versions of Hanukkah doughnuts, children can choose any colors they like when coloring the pictures. The first sufganiyots were not considered sweets. Their modern version was created back in the 1920s when they became a part of every Hanukkah celebration due to the efforts of the Israeli Labor Federation. Children love them so much, as they have different tastes and colors.
Why Play Dreidel?
When studying the Torah was prohibited, the Jews would read it secretly and pretend they were playing dreidel when the representatives of Greek authorities checked on them. This is why dreidels can be seen on many Hanukkah coloring pages. You can play this game with your family members. Each player must have an equal number of pieces. I typically use Hanukkah chocolate shaped as coins. Each player puts sweets in the same pot, hoping to win more pieces if the dreidel lands on a specific letter.
Coloring pages together during Hanukkah will help your family members learn more about the traditions associated with this beloved holiday.