Got a little bit of extra time? ChallahCrumbs is taking your family to Sunday school. This week we’re talking about The Festival of Lights and the deep, dark days of winter.
Learn.
Set up a mini-study session with our three sources and the guided questions.
[The time to light is] “from sunset until there is no wayfarer in the street.” (Shabbat 21a)
Why do you think the Talmud mentions a ‘wayfarer’ in the street? What is this detail telling us about candle lighting?
Do you think the Talmud wants us to light at a busy time of day or at a quiet time of day?
How do you think candle lighting time connects to the idea of Chanukah?
In matters of holiness we only increase; we never decrease. (Principle of Jewish Law)
For this reason, we light an extra candle each night of Chanukah. Can you think of other ways to increase your celebration during Chanukah?
What about during the rest of the year?
For the mitzvah is a candle and the Torah is a light… (Proverbs 6:23)
Why do you think mitzvot are considered candles?
What is the importance of giving off light?
Discuss.
Did you ever notice that that festival of lights occurs when the days are shortest? On Chanukah, we gather in our homes and defy winter’s darkness by adding more candles, more light, more holiness and joy. What is the symbolism of the candles? Why do we choose to use candles and light to celebrate Chanukah?
Create.
Candle Drip Catcher!
Use this creative placemat underneath your menorah to turn your candle drippings into works of art!
Materials:
8×10 Cardstock or Paper (larger if necessary)
Contact paper
Markers
Glitter
Glue
(optional: 8 x 10 Frame)
Method:
1. Decorate your paper with some Chanukah themes.
2. Laminate your paper with contact paper or put it into an 8 x 10 frame.
3. Slide your placemat under your menorah to catch the wax or oil.
4. Display your artwork!
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