HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
Most Hanukkah celebrations center around the menorah; a 9-branched candleholder ceremoniously lit during each of the holiday's 8 nights.
During the ceremony, all gather around the menorah and the middle candle, the shamash, is lit. Then, the shamash is used to light the other candles as blessings are said. The candles are lit from left to right and stay illuminated for no less than 30 minutes.
Many families display heirloom menorahs for Hanukkah. Others look for new ways to carry on this tradition from enrolling the kids in a Lego Menorah Workshop to purchasing a stylish menorah for a designer touch at their celebration.
Apparently, Jewish law dictates that menorahs may be a maximum of 20 cubits high. A cubit equals 18-inches, so we're looking at 18 x 20 for a total height of 360 inches or 30 feet! While that's a generous height allowance, there doesn't seem to be a law specifying what one may use to make their menorah.
The folks at Building Blocks Workshops have one of the most creative menorah ideas yet. They conduct programs using Lego building blocks to teach certain subjects in Jewish history for children and their parents. One program is a hands-on model building experience where over 50,000 building blocks are used to make a menorah. Just check out the amazing Lego menorah in the photo that was built by members of the Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York.
Jewish congregations across the country have participated in Lego Menorah "Build-Offs" where the goal seems to be the bigger the better in honor of this holiday symbol.
For the ultimate in extravagance, consider a designer menorah such as Joel Smith's sculptured glass half circle from Steuben Glass priced at $4,500.
Cutting edge designs can be found at anymenorah.com where they have menorahs made from multi-color Lucite, crystal Mah Jong tiles, and decorative oil bottles.
For those whose creative juices are flowing during the holiday season, try setting up your own menorah using blue glass bottles.
Since the classic Hanukkah colors are blue and white, look for beverages in small blue glass containers to empty out and use as candleholders. Or check in your craft store for blue glass bottles or items that will work.
- Simply line up 9 blue glass bottles on the tabletop or a mantle and insert similar size candles in them to make your own menorah.
- Add a little sparkle by spelling out "Hanukkah" using a crystal letter sticker on 8 of the bottles and leave the middle bottle, the shamash, blank.
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