This distinctive Hanukkah story is a true account of marine biologist David Ginsburg’s singular observance of the first night of Hanukkah in 2005. Ginsburg is a marine biologist studying sea urchins, and his work took him to Antarctica that year. Arriving in December, he made his first dive on the first night of Hanukkah. Descending to the sea floor, Ginsburg was thinking about family and friends celebrating Hanukkah back home. On the ocean floor, he had an inspired idea and began arranging sea urchins into the shape of a menorah. “ 'Nobody move,’ he told the sea urchins as he took their picture. Except for the shamash , which kept sinking, they were very cooperative.” Color photographs of Ginsburg’s trip, including the unusual and ephemeral menorah he created and the Hanukkah observance he shared with his fellow travelers that evening, accompany the narrative. (Ages 7–10)

Although December is a summer month in Antarctica, marine biologist David Ginsburg--who is stationed at the McMurdo Research Station--finds a way to light a menorah to celebrate Hanukkah even though the sun is shining 24/7. Simultaneous.