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Use of Menorah (Hanukiah) | Miracle of oil | Brave Judah Macabee

Channukah: Menorah

Motivational Tools:

Children are curious by nature.  All lessons should have a motivation to learn what is introduced via various curiosities.  This lesson should have available various Menorahs and colorful candles  It is very important that children hold the authentic article to solidify the learning process.

Lesson Plan:

  1. Teacher holds up a colorful bag with a menorah inside.  Slowly hold up the menorah, and see if the children recognize it and allow them to share what is in their memory.  This will allow you to pre-assess what the children already know about Chanukkah or the menorah.

  2. The Jewish people use an a menorah during the holiday of Chanukkah.  How many places for candles do you see?  How many nights are there for the Chanukkah holiday?  The extra candle holder is for the helper candle called the shamash.  This little spot on the menorah is where the shamash is placed after it has helped all the other candles be lit.  When you light the candles of the menorah you are doing a Jewish tradition that we have done for a very long time.

  3. Choose eight children to sit in a line on the floor.  Designate another to be the shamash candle. 

  4. The child being the Shamash is given red tissue paper for make believe fire. That child walks along and touches the head of the seated child and they stand up.  Show the shamash child to start lighting from the left side of the menorah. When all 8 students are standing in a line teach the blessing of lighting the candles.  Appropriate blessings can be found in your school’s or synagogue’s siddur.

Song: This Little Menorah of Mine (tune of This little light of mine)

This little menorah of mine I’m gonna let it shine (3 times)
    Let it shine (3 times)
    I’m not gonna blow it out I’m gonna let it shine (3 times)
    Let it shine (3 times)

Reinforcement Activities:

Mr/Mrs Candle

  1. Pre-draw and pre-cut 8’ candle shape on construction paper.
  2. Using hole punch make holes all around the outside edge.
  3. Pre-cut yarn in appropriate lengths for lacing.
  4. Instruct children to lace in and out of the holes.
  5. Crayons for decorating the inside.
  6. Hang in room from ceiling.