The workshop demonstrates, with the help of participants, the process the Maccabees used to refine Olive Oil for the Menorah in the Chanukah story. Participants sort and hand-press fresh olives in an old fashioned olive press made of wood and cast iron, then decant the olive juice with a modern centrifuge to quickly extract the pure olive oil - authentic "Shemen Zayit Zach”. As the olive oil is refined, the participants hand spin wicks out of cotton and then light the Chanukah Menorah with the resulting oil. Concepts like the reason for using olive oil in modern day Chanukiyot and the proper lighting of the Chanukah Menorah is discussed and demonstrated.

At the conclusion, each participant assembles a Chanukiah kit that produces a close replica of the Beit HaMikdash Menorah.

 

After the Olive Oil workshop, participants can construct their own beautiful Chanukiah to take home with the hardwood Chanukah Menorah kit. This kit makes a beautiful 14 inch Menorah out of solid hardwood with brass finish cups for oil decanters or candles. The kit is easy to assemble with no sawing, no glue, no nails, or experience required. All tools and materials are provided in the workshop and with this user-friendly kit, everyone is going to make a masterpiece, guaranteed!

This hands-on interactive program, adds excitement to any institution's Jewish curriculum regardless of affiliation, background or location and gives participants

a personal and meaningful appreciation of the Chanukah experience