When darkness falls, even a tiny light can be very comforting. The traditional Jewish symbol of a menorah (ritual candelabra) evokes all these ideas. Light marks synagogues as special places, too. All synagogues have an eternal light (in Hebrew, a ner tamid) that recalls the menorah of the ancient Temple, connects us with our past, and reminds us of God's eternal presence.
It's customary at Hanukkah to place one's menorah in a window where passersby can see it. This tradition, known as pirsum hanes (Hebrew for "publicizing the miracle"), helps everyone recall the miracles that took place years ago, and is a small reminder that miracles can still happen if you know how to look for them. It also brings some welcome light into the darkest time of the year — which is its own kind of miracle. Using the Hanukkah candles as a jumping off point, you can fuel a full STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) lesson at home.
Read
Pick one of these stories to guide your lesson about light.
*Follow along with the video version of the book
Discuss
Light sure seems magical, but we can also look at light through the lens of science. In the Talmud (core collection of rabbinic writings), ritual and science are often linked. In one section, the rabbis discuss different materials that can serve as wicks and oils for Shabbat lights. They observe that cedarwood, silk, and seaweed burn unevenly and therefore do not make very good wicks. They teach that oils made from sesame, radishes, gourds, and fish burn well — and olive oil burns best of all. By bringing a scientific eye into our ritual life, you are continuing an age-old Jewish tradition.
After reading (or watching) one of the stories above, consider the following:
- Why do you think so many holidays include candle lighting?
- How do candles burn? What causes a flame to stay lit?
- Bonus: look up "combustion" together to learn more
- What is brighter — an electric menorah or a traditional one?
Hands-On Learning
- Bundle up and go stargazing
- Create an oil menorah together — how does the light here compare to light given off by wax Hanukkah candles?
- Design a glowing pathway and then compare the glow-in-the-dark stones with battery operated and solar powered lights.
- Which light lasts longest? Which seems strongest?
- Is one more visible at certain points during the night?
More
Easy Hanukkah Crafts to Make With Things From Around the House
The Hanukkah Story: For Ages 6+
Sharing Hanukkah at School
November 19, 2025