Cultural Activity
Jewish Menorah
The Hanukia is also known as "Lights" and "Rededication" The Jewish tradition remembers how Judah Maccabee and his army fought for about three years against the Syrians until they reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. After the temple was recovered, the temple menorah was lit. It was never to be extinguished but there was only enough oil to last one day. It took eight days to obtain more oil, but on their arrival back with more oil, to their surprise, the lamp was still burning. This is why the menorah has eight candles. Each one represents each night that the oil kept the lights of the Holy Temple lit.
Families celebrate Chanukah by playing dradel games, eating latkes (potato pancakes fried in olive oil), lighting the Hanukia and singing songs of victory.
They light candles in the Hanukia menorah for eight nights to remember the miracle that happened so long ago. The candle that stands higher on the menorah is called the Shamash (servant). It is used to light the other candles during Chanukah. The first night of Chanukah the servant is lit and used to light one other candle. The second night the Shamash and two other candles are lit, until on the eighth night all nine candles (including the Shamash) are lit. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but lit from left to right. Special blessings are recited each night before the candles are lit.
Suitable for:
Primary levels
Materials:
A4 Foilboard, Paper Magiclay, Metallic Prism Paper, Ocaldo Paint, Jewish Menorah
How to Make Mosaics on Mesh
1. Model thin sausage-like forms of Paper Magiclay to create a nine-candle menorah. Remember the Shamash is the tallest of all the candles. Add shapes to make the menorah highly decorative.
2. Place the menorah on to a sheet of A4 Foilboard and cut out nine flame shapes of Metallic Prism Paper. Glue the flames down on to the Foilboard above each of the nine candles.
3. Use markers or Ocaldo Paint to colour the menorah.
© Copyright Zart Art 2009. Activity and teacher notes written and designed by Zart Education.
Key words: Art, craft, activity, activities, children, kids, school art activities, menorah, hanukah, jewish tradition, cultural diversity, paper crafts, collage
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