Parents' Guide to Lights

Parents need to know that Lights is an educational animated short film that explains the history and meaning of Hanukkah through child-friendly metaphors. The film portrays lights as symbols of Jewish identity, culture, and traditions that are threatened when Greeks attempt to impose their customs on Jerusalem. While specifically about Jewish history, the themes are universal: celebrating cultural identity, standing proud of one's heritage, and preserving traditions when faced with pressure to change. The film shows Jewish characters initially welcoming Greek visitors before showing resilience in the face of antisemitism when the Greeks begin removing the lights from the city. Though no explicit violence is shown, armies with weapons are depicted, and the narration implies they've already conquered and killed people in another nation. Judd Hirsch provides the narration, while Leonard Nimoy is also among the voice cast. The film is also known by the title Lights: The Miracle of Chanukah.

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