Have you ever felt like you’ve stepped into a storybook? Wandering through magical worlds, getting lost in the wonder of it all? Well, guess what, today, I didn’t just step into any story, I stepped right into the Chanukah story!
Dear Diary,
Chapter 1: The Battle of Modiin
There I was, right in the heart of the action, as Judah the Maccabee faced off against the mighty Greeks. Shields clashing, sparks flying, and me cheering from the sidelines, “Go, Judah, go!” Spoiler alert, the Jews won (obviously). Thanks to the cool Chanukah Theater.
Chapter 2: The Quest for Oil
My next mission: crush olives to make pure oil for the Beis Hamikdash. I joined the “Soil to Oil” workshop and learned every step of the process of making olive oil. Let me tell you, crushing olives is harder than it looks—but I crushed it (literally). Then, I lit a menorah using the oil and, boom just like that, I was in the present-day Chanukah party zone!
Chapter 3: The Feast of Doughnuts
What’s a hero’s journey without a feast? We decorated doughnuts (mine was pink frosting + chocolate sprinkles = masterpiece), built a giant Chanukah mural, and watched a menorah lighting that lit up the whole plaza.
Chapter 4: Treasure Hunt in the Supermarket
My next stop was the Kids Kosher Supermarket, where I “shopped” for all the dairy and oily goodies I could get my hands on. Oh, and I made a doughnut bath bomb—how cool is that?!
Chapter 5: The Alley of Courage
The final chapter was the most unforgettable. I stepped into the “Alley of Courage,” a powerful Holocaust exhibit. There I learned about a group of women who wanted to teach kids about Chanukah in the concentration camp. They found 9 spoons, turned them into a menorah, and lit it for 8 nights. I watched those 9 spoons transform into a menorah right in front of me. I still have goosebumps.
This adventure changed me. It wasn’t just fun—it was meaningful, inspiring, and unforgettable. So, do I recommend you go on this adventure at the Jewish Children’s Museum? ABSOLUTELY—1000% YES, YES, YES!
Xoxo,
Eli
P.S. Use the secret code MENORAH2 to get 10% off from December 22 to January 2. (www.jcm.museum) You HAVE to go!
Jewish Children’s Museum * 792 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn NY 11213
