The Miracle Menorah of Mariupol

By Nancy Churnin

Illustrated by Marissa Moss

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2026 Kids Favorites

NSSTB Notable Book

Eureka Honor Silver Award

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Hanukkah is a holiday known for the miracle of the oil, of light lasting longer than was thought possible. This is the story of a modern-day Hanukkah miracle, a menorah bringing light when it's needed most.

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"The true story of how a menorah brought a displaced Jewish community back together.

For years, Jewish families in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine, celebrated Hanukkah with their synagogue’s large, ornate menorah. But in 2022, Russian bombing destroyed the building and scattered the population. Andrei Zherenko, the synagogue’s caretaker, remained in the city. While walking through the rubble one day, he discovered what felt like a miracle—the menorah, completely unscathed. He contacted the rabbi, Mendel Cohen, who shared the news with congregants around the world. Though the few Jews left in the city were hungry and scared, they joined Andrei to light the menorah in secret, bringing light and hope to loved ones near and far. Churnin repeatedly connects this modern-day experience to the original Hanukkah miracle through a lyrical question: “Was this how it felt, in ancient times?” Her poignant prose sheds light on an inspiring story. . .

A heartwarming tale. . . (author’s note, note from Rabbi Mendel Cohen) (Informational picture book. 5-9)

— Kirkus Reviews