A menorah is a symbol of the festivities of Hanukkah on the Jewish calendar. Most families probably have a traditional menorah in their home if they celebrate this holiday regularly. But, if you don’t or the kids want to contribute something to the gathering, you can help them create their own out of a tree branch.
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah is also referred to as the Festival of Lights. It commemorates a time in history almost 2,000 years ago when the Jewish people rose up against their Syrian captors who had invaded the city of Jerusalem.
The festival lasts for eight days which is the amount of time that the sacred oil burned in the temple of God after the victory by the Jews. The centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration is the menorah.
Let your kids help with creating the menorah. To make one out of a tree branch, here is what you will need:
* Hammer
* Tree branch (long enough for eight candles spaced across)
* 8 half-inch nails
* 8 candles (seven short and one longer one for the center of the menorah)
* Sandpaper
* Saw
1. Find a suitable tree branch outside. Make sure it has a lot of twigs coming off of it. These will help stabilize the menorah.
2. Using the sandpaper, rub the bark off of the branch. You will need a smooth surface to hold the candles and bark can easily chip off.
3. Using a small hacksaw, cut the edges of the branch at enough of an angle so that the branch will sit level on the table.
4. Turn the tree branch over. Starting in the center of the branch, hammer a nail through until the pointy end sticks out the other side. Repeat this process seven more times along the branch, being careful not to split the wood. Try to get the nails as evenly spaced as possible.
5. Turn the branch right side up again. Lower the candles onto the nails so that they are firmly attached to the branch. Don’t forget to place the longer candle in the center of the tree branch. After each candle is added, test the menorah to see that it will hold the candles without tipping over.
6. Now you are ready to proudly display your new creation during Hanukkah.
Making a menorah out of a tree branch is one way to begin a new tradition in your home for the Jewish holiday. You don’t need a metal one in order to properly honor the festival. The tree branch menorah can be a treasured possession that is passed down through your family for generations to come.
