BEACHWOOD, Ohio–Today marks the first day of Chanukah–and young students at The Agnon School are celebrating in a big way.
Modernly known as Hanukkah, the holiday begins at sundown tonight and ends on Thursday, Dec. 9.
A candle on a menorah is lighted each night, and students got creative by making one out of their favorite things.
Holding up a shiny menorah made of building blocks and glitter, fourth grader Abby Cohen is proud of her work.
“It represents me because I like to ballet dance, gymnastics and I like swimming. And I also like a lot of sparkly things,” she laughs.
From ones built of candy and others made of legos, nothing is short of the imagination.
“Mine is the shoes, because I really like shoes and everything,” said fourth grader Noa Marcus.
With a platter that reads “Kick your heels up this Chanukah,” Noa’s menorah has a little bit of everything.
“I play soccer, so I have one of my soccer cleats on there,” Noa said. “And I love to get dressed up, so I have a high heel and a bunch of other shoes.”
Abby, Noa and other fourth graders are singing and rehearsing lines for a play they’ll present to families, while other students play games to learn more about Jewish history.
Spencer Caron and a few of his classmates built board games involving the Greek gods.
Though, playing dreidel and lighting the menorah are what Spencer looks forward to the most.
“Lighting the (menorah) is fun because you get to see how pretty it looks,” Spender said. “When you have one candle lit, it builds up to getting all the candles lit. It’s pretty cool.”
Catch a cool, behind-the-scenes look at the student project in this photo gallery here.