Chanukah Family Lantern Tour - In the Footsteps of the Maccabees

Evening experience that combines crafting, storytelling, light, and nature!

The evening begins with creating lanterns from natural and recycled materials. Please bring an empty glass jar from home to make into a lantern. A fun opportunity to create a festive souvenir from the forest together.

After crafting, participants set out on an evening tour in the heart of Ben Shemen Forest to hear the story of Chanukah in the place where the Maccabees lived.

The tour leads to the graves of the Maccabees to explore Matityahu and the Hasmonean revolt, the miracle of the oil jug, and the meaning of light then and now. Along the way, participants discover the olive trees and their place in the holiday, and learn about Ben Gurion's connection to the area.

Walking by lantern light, participants pause to turn off the light and listen to the sounds of the night. The evening concludes with lighting Chanukah candles together in the heart of the forest, with hot tea and cookies.