A Gentle Note for Families

After recording this episode on Sunday, December 14, 2025, a deeply sad and frightening event occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Families were gathered for a Hanukkah celebration when two individuals used a gun to harm others. Many people were injured, and lives were lost. Police and emergency responders acted quickly, and the danger was stopped.

Leaders and authorities have described this as a terror attack targeting the Jewish community.

My heart is with everyone affected, those who were present, those who lost loved ones, and Jewish communities around the world.

In moments like these, it’s important to remember that most people are good, and that in times of tragedy we also see courage and care from police officers, paramedics, doctors, and brave bystanders who rush in to help.

If this news feels scary, confusing, or upsetting, that is completely normal.

This episode is shared with love, with the hope of spreading understanding, kindness, and light.

Ways to Help & Support the Families and Community

If you or your family would like to help support those affected by the Bondi Beach tragedy, here are trusted organizations accepting donations for emergency response, recovery, and community care:

🇦🇺 Australian Red Cross

Provides emergency relief, crisis support, and long-term recovery services for people affected by violence and tragedy.

👉 Donate here: https://www.redcross.org.au/donate/

✡️ Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA – NSW)

Supports Jewish families and communities across New South Wales with counseling, crisis care, community safety, and recovery services.

👉 Donate here: https://donation.jca.org.au/donation-2.0

🕊️ JewishCare

JewishCare provides a wide range of social services, including aged care, disability support, mental health programs, family and child support, and assistance for Holocaust survivors. They primarily service New South Wales.

👉 Donate here: https://www.jewishcare.org.au/donate

Helping doesn’t always mean donating money. Learning, empathy, and standing up against hate are also powerful ways to help.

If your family hasn’t listened yet, I recommend our earlier episode:

“The Shabbat Table: A Time for Rest and Connection.”

That episode gives gentle background on:

• The Jewish faith
• What Shabbat is and why it matters
• Jewish values of rest, family, gratitude, and community

Listening can help children and grown-ups better understand Judaism and build respect and compassion, especially during difficult times like this.

✨ Episode Overview: Celebrating Hanukkah Today

Imagine a festival where the celebration doesn’t last just one afternoon — it lasts eight joyful nights.

In Part Two of our Hanukkah adventure, we move from the ancient Temple into the modern living room to explore how Jewish families celebrate Hanukkah today through candle-lighting, food, games, generosity, movement, and togetherness.

This episode is designed for children ages 5–12 and their grown-ups, with calm moments, playful movement, and meaningful takeaways.

🕎 What We Explore in This Episode

• Lighting the Menorah and learning about the shamash
• Playing Dreidel and understanding the Hebrew letters
• Hanukkah foods like latkes and sufganiyot
• Tzedakah (charity) and acts of kindness
• A guided Hanukkah meditation for calm and comfort
• A movement game: Spin Like a Dreidel
• A Friendship Bridge connecting Hanukkah and Kwanzaa
• An Eight Nights of Kindness Challenge

🎒 Belief Backpack Takeaways

This week we pack:

• The reminder that even a little light can make a big difference
• Joy that grows through family, tradition, and celebration
• The power of kindness, generosity, and courage
• The truth that light grows when we share it

😄 Hanukkah Joke of the Week

Which hand is best for lighting the menorah?

Neither... it’s best to light it with a candle! 🕯️

Thank you for exploring with me.

May the light of Hanukkah bring comfort, courage, and hope, now and always.

After recording this episode on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, there

2

was a very sad and scary event at

Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

3

A lot of families were gathered

for a Hanukkah celebration.

4

Two people used a gun to hurt others.

5

Many people were injured and people died.

6

Police and helpers rushed in

quickly and the danger was stopped.

7

Leaders and police have called it a

terror attack and believe the event

8

was targeting the Jewish community.

9

What we wanna remember is that most

people are good, and in these scary

10

moments and tragedies, there are

lots of grownups that help police,

11

paramedics, doctors, and brave bystanders.

12

It's normal to feel worried, upset, or

confused after hearing news like this.

13

So if you're feeling that now

we're gonna do a quick reset.

14

Put a hand on your belly

and breathe in slowly.

15

Smell the hot cocoa.

16

Breathe out and cool the soup.

17

Smell the cocoa.

18

Cool the soup.

19

Say "Right now I am safe."

20

Kyle: Right now I am safe.

21

Laura: My heart goes out to anybody

who was involved in this tragedy or

22

knows somebody who was involved, or

just the Jewish community in general.

23

I hope that this episode about

Hanukkah helps spread some

24

awareness and understanding.

25

Imagine a festival where the party

doesn't just last one afternoon.

26

It lasts for eight nights in a row.

27

Imagine the smell of crispy

golden potato pancakes.

28

The taste of jelly donuts covered

in powdered sugar, and the sound

29

of a spinning top clattering on

the floor while everyone cheers.

30

Welcome back to Faithfully Explore.

31

I'm Laura, and I am so glad

you're here with me today.

32

Last week we traveled back in time

to meet the Brave Maccabees and

33

learned the story of the tiny jar

of oil that did the impossible.

34

Today is part two of

our Hanukkah adventure.

35

We're moving from the ancient temple to

the modern living room to see how kids,

36

just like you celebrate Hanukkah today.

37

Are you ready to see how that ancient

miracle turned into a modern day party?

38

Let's explore.

39

Faithfully Explore! Intro:

40

faithfully Explore!

41

is the name.

42

Learning together is our aim.

43

Beliefs around the globe we'll track,

filling up our Belief Backpack.

44

Laura: Hanukkah is a holiday in Judaism.

45

The Jewish faith.

46

People who practice Judaism are called

Jewish people and they have many

47

beautiful traditions and stories.

48

If you haven't listened to the Shabbat

episode, by Faithfully Explore!,

49

now is the perfect time to listen

to learn more about Judaism.

50

The word Hanukkah means dedication

In Hebrew, Hanukkah is a celebration

51

of dedication, hope, and miracles.

52

Last week we heard the story of why

we celebrate Hanukkah, but how do

53

families celebrate Hanukkah today?

54

Just like Judah Maccabee's, people

lit the menorah and the temple.

55

Jewish Families light a

special candle holder called

56

a Menorah or Hanukah at home.

57

It has nine branches, one for

each of the eight nights, plus

58

one extra for a helper candle.

59

This helper candle is called the Shamash.

60

On the first night of Hanukkah, they place

one candle in the menorah and light it.

61

On the second night, two candles

are lit with the shamash and so on.

62

Each night one more

candle joins in the glow.

63

Until on the eighth night all

eight candles, plus the shamash,

64

are lit and shining bright.

65

Families usually light

the menorah after sunset.

66

When it's dark outside, often they put

the menorah in the window, so anyone

67

passing by can see its cheerful lights.

68

As they light the candles,

they say special blessings in

69

Hebrew and sometimes sing songs.

70

The bright candles remind everyone

of that ancient miracle and how

71

light grows brighter each day.

72

After the candles are

lit, the games begin.

73

We talked about the dreidel game last

week, but here's how you really play.

74

Everyone gets a pile of gelt

those yummy chocolate coins.

75

A dreidel is a small four-sided spinning

top on each of its sides is a Hebrew

76

letter nun, gimel, hey, and shin.“Nes

77

Gadol Haya Sham,”

78

, which means a great miracle happens there.

79

The dreidel is not only fun,

it also carries the message of

80

Hanukkah's miracle on its sides.

81

Everyone starts with some gelt.

82

You take turns spinning the Dreidel.

83

When it stops, look at the top letter.

84

Depending on the letter, you either

do nothing, win the whole pile

85

of goodies, win some, or have to

give one of yours into the pile.

86

Because of the miracle of the oil, many

Hanukkah foods are a fried in oil to

87

remember that magical little jar of oil.

88

One super popular food is latkas.

89

These are like little pancakes

made of grated potatoes, fried

90

to crispy golden goodness.

91

People often eat them warm with

applesauce or sour cream on top.

92

So yummy.

93

Another treat is a sufganiyot.

94

A soft donut sprinkled with powdered

sugar or drizzled with chocolate

95

and inside their sweet jam.

96

Delicious.

97

Just talking about these food

is making my tummy growl.

98

Hanukkah is also a time

for sharing and caring.

99

Many families use this holiday

to practice tzedakah, which means

100

charity or giving to those in need.

101

For example, some kids have a special

box where they put coins to donate during

102

Hanukkah, or they might help cook a meal

for someone who is lonely or collect toys

103

to give to children who don't have many.

104

Just like the Menorah shines its light.

105

We can share our blessings with others.

106

Some families also

exchange gifts on Hanukkah.

107

They might give a small present each

night to children or one big gift.

108

But everyone remembers that the true

meaning of Hanukkah isn't the presence.

109

It's all about family and friends, the

courage of the Maccabees, and the idea of

110

bringing light and hope into the world.

111

Imagine with me

112

Now, close your eyes gently.

113

Let's take a slow, deep breath in through

your nose and out through your mouth.

114

Imagine it's a cold, dark winter

evening, you're visiting your friend

115

Leah for the last night of Hanukkah.

116

Outside the stars sparkle in the inky

sky, but inside it's cozy and warm.

117

In front of you is a beautiful

menorah waiting to be lit.

118

Deep breath in.

119

Leah carefully strikes a match.

120

Big breath out like you're

blowing out that match.

121

Leah uses the Shamash, the helper

candle, to light each flame.

122

Deep breath in and hold it.

123

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 candles.

124

Breathe out.

125

The room glows with the

light from the eight candles.

126

Leah's family sings a soft blessing.

127

When the song ends,

everyone whispers together.

128

Amen.

129

Breathe in again.

130

What do you smell?

131

Mm, warm latkas frying maybe.

132

Sweet jelly donuts nearby.

133

I can hear your tummy rumbling now.

134

Listen, can you hear it?

135

A dreidel spinning on the floor.

136

Leah's brother cheers.

137

One last breath in and out.

138

Notice how you feel.

139

Safe, included, hopeful.

140

The darkness outside doesn't

seem scary at all because inside

141

there's light, love, and joy.

142

Hold onto that warm Hanukkah glow, and

when you're ready, gently open your eyes.

143

Okay, everybody, now that we've

had a calm, cozy moment, it's

144

time to get our bodies moving.

145

It's game time.

146

Let's play a quick game.

147

I like to call Spin Like a Dreidel.

148

Stand up if you're able and shake

out your arms and legs a little.

149

First, crouch down, low.

150

Tuck in your arms and make yourself as

small as a dreidel sitting on a table.

151

I'm going to count to three and

then we'll spin like a dreidel.

152

Ready?

153

1, 2, 3, spin.

154

Start spinning your body in a circle.

155

Make sure you're in a safe

spot with space around you.

156

As you spin, start to stand up

and stretch your arms out a bit.

157

Twirl, not too fast.

158

We don't want anyone getting too dizzy.

159

And freeze.

160

Stop spinning and strike a

silly pose, just like a dreidel,

161

that wobbles and falls over.

162

1, 2, 3, spin, round and round you go

just like a dreidel dancing on the table.

163

And freeze.

164

Come to a stop, grab a chair or a

wall if you feel a little dizzy.

165

Let's try spinning in

the other direction now.

166

Crouch down small again.

167

Get set, spin.

168

We spin, spin, spin, and freeze.

169

All right, everyone relax.

170

I can imagine all the dreidels out there

getting jealous of your spinning skills.

171

Maybe you can try playing

dreidel for real after listening.

172

let's cross our friendship bridge.

173

You know that one of my favorite things

about exploring different traditions is

174

finding out how they connect, like little

bridges of friendship between people.

175

Hanukkah is all about light

courage and hope, and guess what?

176

There are other holidays and cultures

that celebrate very similar ideas.

177

Right after Christmas, another

holiday begins called Kwanzaa.

178

Kwanzaa is celebrated mainly by

African American families to honor

179

African heritage and community.

180

It lasts seven days, and guess what?

181

They also light candles each night.

182

But instead of a menorah, they use a

special candle holder called a kinara.

183

There are seven candles each

representing important principles

184

like unity, faith, and responsibility.

185

Each night of Kwanzaa families

light one candle, and talk

186

about one of those values.

187

They might sing, dance, or tell

stories from African cultures.

188

Kwanzaa isn't a religious holiday like

Hanukkah or Christmas, it's cultural.

189

But it shares the idea of gathering

together, celebrating values and lighting

190

up the winter with hope and unity.

191

If you have friends that celebrate

Kwanzaa, you could ask them which

192

principle is their favorite, or

simply wish them a joyous Kwanzaa.

193

When we learn about each other's

holidays, we see that deep down we're

194

all celebrating many of the same things,

being with family, sharing kindness,

195

and finding light in the darkness.

196

So if you have a friend who celebrates

a different holiday, don't be shy.

197

Ask them about it or wish

them a happy one, and you can

198

share what you celebrate too.

199

By respecting and enjoying each

other's traditions, we're making our

200

Friendship bridge stronger and longer

201

This week's challenge is.

202

This week in honor of Hanukkah's

eight shiny nights, let's do an

203

eight nights of kindness challenge.

204

Here's how it works.

205

I challenge you to do one

small, kind or generous act each

206

day for the next eight days.

207

That's one for each night of Hanukkah.

208

Think you can do it.

209

I bet you can.

210

Your kind acts don't have to be big.

211

Even a little light can brighten the dark.

212

Remember...

213

Here are some ideas to get you started.

214

Draw a cheerful picture or make a card

for a relative teacher or neighbor.

215

Give someone a hug with

permission or spend time with

216

someone who might be lonely.

217

Sometimes just being there

for someone is the best gift.

218

Donate something, with a grownup's help.

219

You could give a toy or clothes

you don't use anymore to charity or

220

bring canned food to a food drive.

221

Sharing with those in need

spreads light to their lives.

222

I can't wait to see how

you all shine this week.

223

Now to help us remember all we've

discovered, let's open up our special

224

bag of wisdom, our Belief backpack

225

What's inside our belief

backpack this week?

226

Hanukkah reminds us that even a little

bit of light can make a big difference.

227

Just like one tiny jar of oil burned

for eight whole days, our small

228

actions can bring hope to dark times.

229

Hanukkah is a time for joy, family,

and celebration, singing songs, playing

230

dreidel, and eating special foods help

bring people together with happiness.

231

Kindness and giving are

a big part of Hanukkah.

232

Whether it's sharing gelt, helping others,

or giving tzedakah, we can all spread

233

light by being generous and thoughtful.

234

That's what we're packing in

our Belief Backpack today.

235

Courage, kindness, joy, and the reminder

that light grows when we share it.

236

Wow.

237

We've learned so much about Hanukkah

from the flickering menorah candles

238

that get brighter each night, to the

delicious latkas and donuts that remind

239

us of the miracle of the oil, to the fun

dreidel games that make everyone smile.

240

Hanukkah is such a bright

and joyful celebration.

241

More than all the fun and treats.

242

Hanukkah teaches us

something really important.

243

Even in the darkest times, there

is light, a little courage and

244

faith can bring a big miracle.

245

And when we share that light with others

through kindness, through friendship,

246

through standing up for what's right, the

world becomes a better place for everyone.

247

I hope you carry the light

of Hanukkah in your heart.

248

Whether or not you celebrate it at home.

249

That light can be hope when you're

sad, courage when you're scared, or

250

kindness when someone needs help.

251

We can all be like little menorah

candles shining in the world.

252

Oh, and I can't end an episode

without a little laughter.

253

Right?

254

Here's a fun Hanukkah joke you can

share with your friends and family.

255

Which hand is best to

light the menorah with?

256

Piper: right

257

Kyle: left

258

Laura: Neither.

259

It's best to light it with a candle.

260

Until next time, keep being curious,

keep being kind, and keep exploring the

261

beautiful world of beliefs around you.

262

This is Laura from Faithfully

Explore Saying Goodbye and

263

happy Hanukkah everyone.

264

Faithfully Explore! Outro:

265

Faithfully Explore!

266

is about you.

267

Let's grow kinder together it's true!