Talk with your kids about the
meaning of the menorah and the
traditions you celebrated as a
child.

• Oven-bake clay, such as Sculpey, in desired colors
• Plastic knife
• Toothpicks
• Small candles
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrush
• Permanent marking pens
• Pencil

1. Using the photographs for inspiration, form the clay into a Noah's Ark for the servant candle (the shammes). Create four pairs of animals, such as giraffes, snakes, alligators, and birds. Keep the bottoms flat so the pieces will stand up when done. Tips for making some of the pieces:

For the Ark: Start with a canoe-shape base. Add a small square on top. For the roof and ramp, you can roll the clay flat with a rolling pin or press down on the clay with your hands and cut out the shape with a plastic knife. Add a small door. To make impressions for texture, press a plastic knife into the clay.

For the Bird: Form a pea-size piece of clay for the head. Roll a slightly larger ball for the body, forming into a teardrop. Add tiny clay wings. For eyes, make indentations using the point of a pencil.

For the Giraffe: Roll four 1-inch-long legs, an egg-shape body, a thick neck, head, ears, and antlers. Press parts together, adjusting legs so the piece will stand up. Make eyes with a pencil.

For the Snake: Roll a thick coil, shaping as desired. Add a tongue. Make eyes with a pencil.

For the Alligator: Form a long shape, slightly larger than a hot dog. Use a knife to make a cut in one end for the mouth. Push in small pieces of toothpicks for teeth. Make pinches along the top back. For eyes, roll two pea-size balls. Press pieces together.

2. Push a candle into the top of each clay shape. Remove the candles and bake the clay according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the clay shapes from the oven and let cool.

3. If desired, decorate the pieces with paint or marker. Let dry.