Menorah Contest

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Each year at our family Chanukah party, we try to introduce a new activity, to keep things fun and exciting for the children and adults alike. Last year’s addition – a huge hit – was a menorah-making contest.

This is how it worked: Every family coming to the party was asked to create a menorah out of something original – it didn’t have to be “usable” but it had to look “kosher” (8 + a shamash, properly aligned, etc) – and bring it with them.

It was amazing to see the original and diverse ideas each family came up with. The menorahs were prominently displayed, and at the end of the evening, raffled off.

You can give a specific dollar amount that should be spent to keep everything uniform. 

If you’d like, you can send out this poem to give the “heads up” to all of those attending about this menorah making contest.

We’re planning a Chanukah party menorah display
Each guest brings a menorah and takes one on their way,
Have fun as you dream of just the right thing
That you would like to use for menorah building.
You’ll need something useful, edible, or pretty – times 8
With something for the shamash and then you’ll create
A centerpiece menorah which does not need to be lit
But does need your originality, your care, and your wit.
Keep in mind as you decide and prepare
That it should be a gift you’ll be round to share,
Set it up securely so it can travel to and from our event
And be worth the time and the money that you will have spent.
So light your creativity on fire, send your imagination spinning
As you prepare a menorah that’s sure to be award winning.

Here are some sample ideas:

The Dental Menorah

The “Scent”sational Menorah

The Chanukah Gelt menorah

The Pez Menorah

The Re“marker”able Menorah

Marker covers are set in Plaster of Paris, creating a fantastic marker organizer. You can be sure you won’t ever lose a marker cover again!

Packaged together with a cute coloring book, this can make a wonderful Hanukkah gift. Fun for children of all ages to create, this concept can be used in myriad projects throughout the year.

Supplies:

3 cups of Plaster of Paris
Plastic drawer organizer (I used a 9”x 3”x 2  5/8”)
Markers
Disposable container and plastic spoon for mixing Plaster of Paris

Directions:

1. Remove the caps from the markers.
2. Mix Plaster of Paris and water according to the manufacturer’s directions.
3. Pour directly into the plastic drawer organizer.
4. Insert the caps into the Plaster of Paris, making sure they are standing up straight. The covers should be covered approximately ¾ of the way.
5. Place in a safe place and allow to dry.
6. When the Plaster of Paris is set, place markers in caps.