2025 CJN December | Page 30

The Charlotte Jewish News- December 2025- Page 30

Kids Corner

Chanukah Is Coming – So Let’ s Talk Menorahs!

By Sara Solar
Have you done a Google search for menorahs lately? I did, and wow! Alongside the beautiful, traditional and conventional menorahs, I found some truly creative ones: a bird menorah, a banana menorah, a dinosaur menorah, a Pez dispenser menorah, a watermelon menorah, a surfboard menorah and even a VW bus menorah. There’ s no shortage of imagination out there!
All those unique designs made me pause: what really makes a menorah a menorah? So, of course, I turned to the internet in search of answers— and I learned a great deal!
To be considered kosher for Chanukah, a menorah must have eight candleholders arranged in a straight line, plus a ninth, distinct holder for the shamash( the helper candle). The eight main lights should all be level, with the shamash set apart— usually higher— and the flames should not be directly in front of one another. So perhaps that cool octopus menorah, with eight tentacles stretching every which way, isn’ t the best choice after all!
I’ m sure you have a favorite menorah at home, possibly one passed down through generations or a special gift for a bar or bat mitzvah, engagement, wedding or even the birth of a child.
My favorite? It’ s one my son made years ago. It’ s not fancy or expensive, but every time I unpack it, wonderful, cherished memories of past Chanukahs come flooding back. Fast-forward to now: my son may be almost 23 years old and living in another city, but in my mind he’ s still that little boy who was concentrating so hard— and with great pride— to make his menorah.
So, this year, I encourage you to get creative! Break out the Popsicle sticks, dried pasta, cardboard, clay, nuts and bolts, and let your child imagine. Who knows what kind of wacky, weird and equally wonderful menorah they’ ll come up with? And maybe, just maybe, it will become your favorite in the years to come.
May you and your family enjoy a warm, bright and creative Chanukah!
( Puzzle on page 29)
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