Farmer Kobi’s Hanukkah Match

Farmer Kobi’s Hanukkah Match written by Karen Rostoker-Gruber and Rabbi Ron Isaacs and illustrated by CB Decker (2015)

The animals on Farmer Kobi’s farm want nothing more than to help him find a match for Hanukkah… a personal match, a girlfriend, a wife. They polished the menorah, made the ghanoush, and put out the dreidels and gelt. They even helped him pick out his clothes for his date with Polly. But it seems Polly is not a big fan of animals, certainly not animals in the house. Before they can even sit down to eat, Polly ends up leaving in a huff slamming the door behind herself. Just when Farmer Kobi and the animals were ready to give up, there was a knock on the door. A pretty girl named Ruthie needed to use the phone, her truck had a flat tire and she was stuck. Ruthie appreciated all the help from the animals so Farmer Kobi invited her to stay for dinner. Ruthie agreed to stay on one condition, that her friends in the truck were also invited. The animals looked out at Ruthie’s truck full of animals and knew they had found the perfect match for Farmer Kobi.

This is definitely not your traditional Hanukkah story of the Maccabees and the temple. But it brings more of a sense of everyday joy to the celebration of the eight nights of Hanukkah.

Your little ones will love the lively and funny antics of the animals on the farm and the love interests of Farmer Kobi.

Take a look at some of these kid friendly menorahs you can make at home with your family.