Preschoolers prepared for the first night of Hanukkah with a storytelling performance and craft activity at the Rashi School, an independent ­Reform Jewish school in ­Dedham, staff said.

“We did it because, starting tomorrow when the first candle is lit, it’s going to be all about presents,” said Adrienne Frechter, director of admissions and marketing for the school. “Sometimes the meaning of Hanukkah gets lost.”