'The Ninth Night of Hanukkah' - Read and Rise November 2021

Author Erica S. Perl was kind enough to share her book, "The Ninth Night of Hanukkah" with me and I truly love it so much! The idea to celebrate a ninth night of Hanukkah came from Erica's children who wondered why the Shamash candle never got its own night. For those who may not be familiar with Hanukkah traditions, the Shamash candle in the center of the menorah is used to light the other 8 candles, one for each night of Hanukkah. "The Ninth Night of Hanukkah" introduces a new tradition of celebrating the Shamash for helping light all the other candles and all the helpers who bring light to our life.

Featured story: "The Ninth Night of Hanukkah" by Erica S. Perl and Shahar Kober

Activity: show some gratitude to the helpers in your life! If you celebrate Hanukkah, consider adding one more night to your festivities. There are a number of adorable resources on Erica's website if you'd like to host a "Shamash Night" party or send out thank yous. 

If you do not celebrate Hanukkah, you can still honor the tradition! As Erica puts it, "I view this as something everyone can do, Jewish or not. You simply light one candle at sunset and devote a little time to acknowledging those in your life who help you. So it could be making cards (or cookies or whatever!) for the dogwalker/babysitter/teacher/postal carrier/garbage pickup people, etc., friends, neighbors, relatives...all who help deserve a night of tribute. And that is Shamash Night." 

I've made a simple thank you card template with Erica's sweet thank you message inside - you can print as many as you want to color and hand out!

Thank you to all of YOU who help me share my mission and spread my message - I am extremely grateful for each and every one of you!