Over the Chanukah holiday, Darkeinu, FJC’s Jewish studies’ educational curriculum, is running a Mega-Chanukah contest aimed at connecting Jewish kids throughout the FSU and getting them more involved with the holiday and its customs. 

Where as state winter holidays in the FSU are widely and extensively celebrated, Jewish kids on Chanukah might feel isolated and disconnected. “The Mega contests help our young friends, even in the remotest towns and villages connect with Jewish peers throughout the entire region, share the celebrations and feel a part of something huge no matter where they are,” said Mrs. Sarah Vernick, Darkeinu’s extracurricular programs coordinator. 

The contest runs on a dedicated website and offers many levels of participation – from posting pictures with holiday symbols to answering Jewish trivia questions. Valuable prizes await the winners of every level. 

“Darkeinu has been running the Mega contests ahead of every Jewish holidays for two years already and we’ve been seeing the continuous positive influence they’ve had on Jewish kids in terms of getting them and very often their families excited about their heritage and traditions,” Mrs. Vernick said.