Make a Macaroni Menorah!

What You Need:

• Macaroni or penne pasta (10 pieces)
• Dry beans
• Glue
• Construction paper
• Orange tissue paper

What You Do:

1. Have your child glue the pasta onto the top of the construction paper to create the candles. Use two pieces of pasta for the Shamash in the middle.
2. Draw the pattern for the beans (if your child is too young to place them with a free hand). Have her apply a line of glue onto the pattern.
3. Invite your child to attach the beans to the line of glue.
4. Ask your child to cut or tear small pieces of orange tissue paper into strips and roll them up. She can insert them into the pasta to create a "flame."

The ritual of the lighting of the menorah symbolizes the eight days of a fantastic miracle: During a Jewish revolt, the menorah had enough oil to stay lit for one day, but it somehow stayed lit for eight full days. Those who celebrate Hanukkah commemorate this amazing occurrence by lighting a  candle for each day of Hanukkah.