Hanukkah is a time of light, miracles, and tradition. Why not add a spark of mystery to your classroom or home with a creative way to teach the story and symbols of Hanukkah using Gematria? Gematria, the system of assigning numerical values to Hebrew letters, is a fascinating way to connect with Jewish learning. With two engaging worksheets, you can introduce your students to this ancient system while exploring the themes of Hanukkah.
1. Discovering Hanukkah Through Numbers
The Jewish calendar holds a unique significance for Hanukkah. Unlike other holidays, Hanukkah begins in one Hebrew month – Kislev – and ends in the next, Tevet. It starts on the 25th of Kislev (Kaf-Heh, כ”ה), a great opportunity to teach kids how Hebrew letters and numbers are intertwined. You can even encourage them to find out their own Hebrew birthday.
2. Worksheet 1: Decoding Famous Hanukkah Phrases
In the first worksheet, students decode four well-known Hanukkah phrases using Gematria:
- להדליק נר של חנוכה (To light the Hanukkah candle)
- מעוז צור ישועתי (Rock of Ages, my salvation)
- נס גדול היה שם (A great miracle happened there)
- על הניסים ועל הנפלאות (For the miracles and the wonders)
Once decoded, students can learn about the meanings behind these phrases and their connection to Hanukkah traditions. This activity blends critical thinking with Jewish learning in a hands-on way.
3. Worksheet 2: Hanukkah Symbols in Secret Code
The second worksheet dives into the objects we associate with Hanukkah – dreidel, menorahs, oil, jug, sufganiyot, latkes, and candles. Students will decode the name of each object using Gematria and then match it to its picture. This activity combines numbers, Hebrew vocabulary, and a visual element to create a fun and memorable learning experience.
4. Personalized Learning with Gematria
Make Gematria even more personal by having students calculate the numerical value of their names. It’s a fun way to get them excited about Hebrew letters and numbers while connecting it to their identity.
5. Creating Secret Codes and Solving Puzzles
To extend the activity, students can write their own “secret codes” related to the Hanukkah story. They might compose a mysterious letter from the Maccabees or create a riddle about the miracle of the oil. After swapping their puzzles with classmates or family members, they’ll get to solve each other’s riddles, fostering creativity and collaboration.
