Dreidels to Defeat Devious Demons? A Hanukkah Tale with a Twist
Everyone knows that goblins are up to no good, and the devious mischief-makers in Eric A. Kimmel's Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins are no exception!
In his book, Kimmel delivers a clever retelling of the Hanukkah story. "Hanukkah," which means "dedication" in Hebrew, celebrates the triumph of the Jewish people over the Syrians in the Maccabean Revolt. After their victory, the Jewish people were able to rededicate the Second Temple of Jerusalem after the first was destroyed by the Syrians.
In Kimmel's tale, the unfriendly goblins blow out menorah candle flames and throw latkes in the dirt. The villagers are distressed that this special holiday is being ravaged by these creepy creatures. But Herschel our hero knows just what to do! He uses an unusual assortment of objects (Pickles! Dreidels!) to outwit the lot of them.
Kimmel's Herschel is based on Herschel of Ostropol, a prankster figure that wields his humor to outwit the rich in traditional folklore. The historical figure lived in the Ukraine sometime in the 18th or 19th century.
Your 4-8 year old reader will find the tale delightful, so celebrate the Festival of Lights this year by sitting down with Hershel and his Hanukkah Goblins. And don't forget the sufganiyot!
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