The Miracle Menorah of Mariupol

Coming Sept. 1, 2026 from Creston Books, Lerner Books, Kar-Ben Publishing

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.

When the synagogue of Mariupol was bombed by Russia in 2022, everyone thought the large menorah that was the center of the Jewish community’s Hanukkah celebration was destroyed. But in a modern-day Hanukkah miracle, the menorah was found, just in time to bring its light to the Jews of Mariupol, now refugees scattered all over the world. The candles were lit by a Ukranian helper and drove away the darkness, uniting everyone in the warm glow of hope. This true story, illustrated by Marissa Moss, will be released Sept. 1 from Creston Books

THE FIRST REVIEW! Thank you, Kirkus!

"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