INTRODUCTION:

The concept of Hiddur Mitzvah in Judaism means to beautify something that we need to do a mitzvah.  To make it extra special. (See text below) It is a commandment to light Hanukkah candles in order to share the light with those around us. Not everyone has a Hanukkah menorah to light. This program is intended to offer a fun crafty experience so that community members will take home a menorah they can light at home, as well as offer a chance to get into the Hanukkah spirit.  

MATERIALS:

• DIY Menorah ideas 1 
• DIY Menorah ideas 2  
• Materials needed for craft 
  • Hex nuts to hold candles. From past experience, 3/8 inch hex nuts hold the cheap Hanukkah candles perfectly. Everyone will need 9 for their hanukkiah. These can be purchased from Amazon, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, etc.   
  • Hanukkiah candles to take home (everyone needs 44 candles for the whole 8 days, but if that is cost prohibitive, you can supply a minimum of 2 to provide for at least the first night, or 9 for the last) 

PROGRAM OUTLINE (~1 hour): 

• Learning (10 minutes)
• Craft Time (45 minutes) 
• Sharing (5 minutes)

Learning (10 minutes)

• Using the text below, go through the requirements for a Hanukkiah and the idea of Hiddur Mitzvah 
  1. Hiddur Mitzvah Teaching
     • That is to say you will be willing to hear God’s voice, which is the fulfillment of the mitzvot – The author explains each phrase in the verse.
       • “And that which is honest in God’s eyes you will do”—“honest” means that you will perform God’s mitzvot with love and affection, and you will understand how to have in mind the awesome depth of God’s consciousness in order to do more than what is commanded you. You have been instructed by the honesty of your heart, for that is honest in the eyes of God. For example, to go beyond what is required for hiddur mitzvah (adorning the mitzvah) up to a third more than was commanded.”
         • Mei HaShiloach, Volume 1 Exodus, Beshalach, translation adapted from Sefaria
     • What does it mean to be a 1/3 extra?
     • Does the beauty or thought behind a ritual item change how you relate to the mitzvah? 
  2. What do you need to make your hanukkiah kosher? 
  3. Blessings and directions for lighting at the bottom of this page
• Explain the project and pass out materials 

Craft Time (45 minutes)

• Enjoy the process of crafting your own hanukkiah 
• Enjoy some Hanukkah music while you work with this playlist.  

Sharing (5 minutes)

• Have everyone share their hanukkiah 
• Pass out candles 
• Teach blessing and direction to light 
• Share what they’re looking forward to for Hanukkah 

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