The Ninth Night of Hanukkah: A Children’s Hanukkah Musical

Looking for a creative and educational way to kick off the holiday with your child(ren)? Look no further!

Erica S. Perl’s acclaimed children’s book, The Ninth Night of Hanukkah, puts a fresh twist on a Hanukkah celebration: celebrating a ninth night with new neighbors and friends! In this joyous and interactive program, veteran elementary school teacher, music instructor, and MJM Docent Shelley Wilcox will bring The Ninth Night of Hanukkah to life through storytelling, singing, and movement. Open to all elementary school children accompanied by an adult(s) — you do not have to be Jewish to join the fun, and you do not need prior musical experience or preparation to attend. Youthful excitement, smiles, and laughter guaranteed, and you may just become inspired to start a “shamash night” tradition of your own!

Registration is free but required.

About the program leader: Shelley Willcox is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator, singer and pianist. She has spent her career working with young people to create beauty, make connections and explore possibilities. As a college student growing up on New York, Shelley began directing and accompanying children’s musicals in local summer camps and in family resorts in the Catskill Mountains region. Later, as a music teacher in the Great Neck Public Schools, she collaborated with other teachers to present Broadway shows adapted for upper elementary and middle school performers. Shelley has also written, directed and accompanied musical theater pieces for beginning performers. Her characters have included talking trees, singing birds, dancing pigs and a Russian ballet teacher. Twice, Shelley has been selected to present aspects of her innovative curriculum to teachers of the arts at the annual “Balanced Mind Conference on Aesthetic Education” in New York State. Shelley holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, City University of New York, and a Bachelor’s degree Music Education from the Steinhardt School of Education, and Human Development at New York University

Host or Publisher Maine Jewish Museum