On Tuesday night, millions will begin their Hanukkah celebrations around the world.
But despite this, the Jewish holiday is barely talked about in classrooms here in the United States.
A teacher in Manatee County is trying to change that.
On Monday, Jean Fox spoke to a group of first and second graders at Samoset Elementary School in Bradenton.
"Hanukkah is celebrated near Christmas time,” she said. “It’s not the same thing as Christmas, but it’s around the same time.”
Fox gave a special lesson about the Festival of Lights and read her new book “What is Hanukkah?” to them.
She said she came up with the idea to wrote a book after visiting her own children’s class years ago.
"I was asked to come in because nobody knew about Hanukkah and my kids felt uncomfortable,” she said.
Then, recently a friend urged her to write the book. So she did.
In addition to reading her new book to the students, she explained to them what the Lighting of the Menorah meant and showed them Dreidels.
Fox said she was not there to change anyone’s religion, but to educate.
"Even though we are all different, we’re all the same,” said Fox. “We have hearts and feelings, especially in this troubled times.”
The students said they were excited to learn about the eight-day festival.
"I enjoyed it so much,” said Fernadette Gonzalez, a second grader. “I love learning something new every day.”
Fox’s book “What is Hanukkah?" can be found at www.amazon.com.