Manchester Jewish Museum

Do you like to get creative? Are you looking for fun things to do with your friends or family? We’ve got you covered!

Every Sunday, as part of your visit to the museum, you are invited to take part in one of our free drop-in, self-guided, family-friendly activities in our learning studio. Each month you will find a different self-guided activity inspired by our collection, where you can get creative using different arts and crafts.

In this month’s activity you are invited to decorate your own festive candle.

In celebrations around the world, light is celebrated as a symbol of hope, providing warmth, and lighting up the darkness. A special part of different religious festivals, candles are placed throughout homes and streets for Diwali, advent candles lit for Christmas, and glowing lanterns lit up during Eid al-Fitr.

For Jewish people in Manchester, candles are used to celebrate a range of holidays, such as Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah. Chanukah is coming up this December, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where the Jews witnessed a miracle — a small amount of oil, enough for just one day, burned for eight nights. This festival is celebrated by lighting the menorah, each night adding one more light until all are aglow.

You’re invited to decorate your candle with images, patterns and words that represent your own cultural practices of candle lighting. Whether that’s for contemplation, reflection, prayer or for the holidays. You’ll then be able to take your candle home to light and enjoy!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

This is a self-directed activity and we advise children take part with adult supervision.

The activity is suitable for all age groups – children and adults alike! All materials will be provided.