Menorah

A menorah is a special, nine-pronged candelabra. Candles are lit every night for the eight nights of Hanukkah. The ninth candle, which stands taller than the others, is the shammash or servant candle. It is used to light the other candles. You light two candles on the first night (servant used to light the second, smaller, candle), three on the second night and so on). It is customary for the candles to be placed in the menorah from right to left and lit from left to right. Set the menorah on a windowsill for all to admire.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds self-hardening clay
• Ruler
• Butter knife
• Hanukkah candles
• Sheet of sturdy cardboard
• Paintbrushes
• Acrylic paint in assorted colors

Instructions

1. On a clean work surface, roll the clay into a long cylinder with an even diameter of a little over an inch. Measure the cylinder and mark off 10 even lengths (about 1 1/2 inches each). Cut eight of these lengths, and leave the last two uncut (these will be the taller shammash). Cylinders may flatten when cut; gently reshape them if necessary. Using a Hanukkah candle, make a hole in one end of each cylinder, deep enough to hold a lighted candle. Again, reshape gently.
2. On the cardboard base, line up the cylinders side by side, with the one for the shammash in the center. Gently press the sides of the cylinders together, using water to make them stick (some separation may occur when the menorah dries).
3. To decorate your menorah, roll out a thin coil of clay to twine around the bottom or sides.
4. Alternatively, you can try adding stars or other clay shapes. To help clay decorations adhere to the menorah, brush both surfaces with water before attaching. Let the finished menorah dry for two or three days, then paint it in bright colors.