How to Make a Kid-Friendly Menorah
Here's a unique way to teach children about Hanukkah through a little bit of DIY, kid-friendly crafting.
A few hours
IntroductionHere's a unique way to teach children about Hanukkah through a little bit of DIY, kid-friendly crafting.
- Tape measure
- 13 inch piece of wood
- 9 tea lights (flameless candles)
- Paint for the base
- Velcro dots
Hanukkah is quickly approaching, bringing with it countless traditions and thousands of years of rich history. What better way to teach kids about the holiday than a little DIY project based on building its most iconic symbol?
The menorah is a candelabra used in observance of Hanukkah that holds nine candles — one for each night, plus a shammash (servant), which is at a different height and used to light the other candles. This menorah is made with LED lights in the place of real flames so that kids can get hands on without risking injury (or burning the house down).
Project step-by-step (3)
Prepare the Base
- Line up your nine candles and measure the length needed for your base.
- Cut the base to length, paint it and let it dry.
Attach the Candles
- Have fun decorating the candles with your choice of embellishments.
- Stick a hook-side Velcro dot to the bottom of each candle, making sure it doesn’t cover the little switch. Place a loop-side dot on the base for each candle and place the candles on the base. You can also use a glue gun to attach the votives.
- Make sure the center candle, the "shammash," is distinct from the rest, whether that's through added decoration or elevating it above the others.
What to Do With Your Menorah
After sunset on the first night of Hanukkah, light the shammash and then the candle on the far right. The next night, light the shammash and then the candle to the left of the first candle. Always light the newest candle first and then light the previous nights’ candles until all candles are lit on the final night.