Write a story that takes place over the eight nights of Hannukah.

Posted in Holiday on Dec 23, 2022

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✍️ 5 stories

“When the Shamash Burns Out” by Talia Stier

Submitted to Contest #178

Trigger warning: This story contains trauma such as illness and death. On the first night of Hanukkah, my father nearly died. We lit the menorah, his pupils dilated, the size of his iris. Attempting to speak, his mouth mobile, but gusts of air followed. We flock to him at full tilt, each one of us probing, “Dad?” I tell him to lift his arms over his head, to repeat after me, “It may rain today.” We say it’s not a stroke, but my Mom dials 911. The hospital staff won’t allow us past the main entrance, and uneasiness clouds above my f...

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“Night of the Trees” by Tamar Shapiro-Tamir

Submitted to Contest #178

On the darkest night of the year, my sister and I slip out the side door. There is no moon, but the stars give enough light for us to make our way through the snow into the woods. We let drop first a hat, then a scarf, then one mitten at a time. As we go deeper, we leave behind our coats, then our boots, then sweaters, until it is just us in our summer dresses, with the most rudimentary shawls covering our arms. Tonight, we are not modern girls. We are snow maidens, come to dance at the trees’ solstice ball. The cold is exhilarating. My sis...

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“Eternal Hannukah” by Steven Goetz

Submitted to Contest #178

It was the first night of Hanukkah, and the Goetz family was gathered around their living room, ready to light the menorah and exchange gifts. "I can't believe it's already Hanukkah," said Mrs. Goetz as she placed the candles in the menorah. "It feels like just yesterday we were lighting the first candle.""Yeah, I know what you mean, mom," said Yakov with a sigh. "I feel like I just finished eating all the latkes from last year."The family chuckled at Yakov's joke, and Mrs. Goetz rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Well, at least we have seven ...

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“A Hannukah story” by Dilbert Jazz

Submitted to Contest #178

It was the first night of Hannukah, and Rachel and Leah were getting ready to light the menorah. Rachel was a talented artist with long, curly hair and a warm smile. Leah was a software developer with short, stylish hair and a confident demeanor. Together, they made a dynamic and loving couple. As they lit the first candle, they reminisced about the past year and all their challenges. They had both lost their jobs due to the pandemic, which had been a challenging and uncertain time for them. But they had leaned on each other for support and ...

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“Eight Nights of Arnold” by Mark Linsky

Submitted to Contest #178

Eight Nights of Arnold A note: Sari said I had to include the following definitions if I was really going to tell you all about what happened over Hanukkah. So here goes: Shamas—Hanukkah candle that lights the other candles in the menorah. Challah—Jewish egg bread. Mensch---A real man Latkes---Potato pan...

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Write a story that takes place over the eight nights of Hannukah.

Submissions are closed

✍️ 5 stories

“When the Shamash Burns Out” by Talia Stier

“Night of the Trees” by Tamar Shapiro-Tamir

“Eternal Hannukah” by Steven Goetz

“A Hannukah story” by Dilbert Jazz

“Eight Nights of Arnold” by Mark Linsky

🌟 Similar prompts

Write a story about a family (biological or found) coming together for Christmas.

Set your story at a work holiday party,

Write about a cynical character realizing they do have something to celebrate after all.

Write a story about an unconventional holiday tradition.

Contest #178

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

183

Contest entries

62

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

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