Brodetsky Primary School holds a special ceremony today. In preparation four pupils discuss what makes the festival so special.

Felicity Greenfield said: “I like getting together as a family and enjoy the food at Chanucah, especially doughnuts and latkes.

“We light the candles every night and have lots of family meals. My grandparents along with aunts and uncles come over on the first night for a big celebration.

“Every year I get different types of presents. I’ve had lots of nice presents but one of my favourites was a Gameboy. This year I’m really excited as I’m getting one big present, which is to do with Doctor Who, and two little ones.”

Ben Freeman said: “I like spending time with all my relatives and friends over Chanucah. On the first night, we go to my grandma’s house and relatives join us to celebrate.

“We open the presents and have a meal together. I love latkes.

“In past years I’ve got all sorts of presents but this year, I don’t know what I want so I’m getting some money. I think I’m going to get a cool pair of trainers, which I’ve seen on the internet, and some clothes.

“We have prepared a poem to perform at the Chanucah assembly. In our group, we all have two letters from Chanucah to speak about. Mine are H and A. H is for latkes and doughnuts which are scrumdiddlyumtious. A is for amazingly aesthetic presents, which are ones that are enjoyable to use.“

Jesse Gelman said: “Chanucah is one of my favourite festivals because I like to light the menorah and the food is great. I like plain, sugary doughnuts.

“My sister is home from university so my family will celebrate together over Chanucah. I like getting presents.

“I think I’m getting a new Nintendo DS screen and I’ll probably spend any Chanucah gelt on games.”

Avital Tamam said: “We light the menorah and my dad sings songs. It’s one of my favourite festivals because we get presents but I also love Purim as it’s fun and exciting.

“Because my birthday is always around Chanucah I get a shared birthday/Chanucah present.

“It’s great because I get one big present and sometimes some smaller ones. My favourite present was a karaoke machine two years ago.

“One year my birthday was on Chanucah, which made it extra special.

“I like Chanucah food, especially jam doughnuts and latkes. At school assemblies, year six pupils help younger pupils light the menorah.

“I’m in my last year but I remember when I was in year two, I was chosen to light the menorah one day, which was great.”

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