FlagshipReplicated elsewhere
Chanukah Family Light Lab
A low-cost family evening that pairs hands-on candle making with a short, welcoming conversation about bringing Jewish light home.
- Best for
- Young families · Hebrew-school families
- Goal
- First attendance · Family engagement
- Budget
- $280–$480
- Preparation
- 2 weeks
- Group
- 20–45 people
- Staffing
- 1 professional + 3 volunteers
- Duration
- 90 minutes
- Materials
- 4 included
Sample evidence displayRun by 6 organizations in 5 communities · 5 would run it againPrototype numbers only. Not verified field claims.
Good fit
Families who want an easy first touchpoint with a warm activity children can bring home.
Think twice if
Groups seeking a long formal class or a drop-off children’s program.
01 How it works
- Welcome each family at a prepared candle-making station.
- Run a short guided activity while staff circulate and learn names.
- Gather everyone for a ten-minute story and conversation about adding Jewish light at home.
- Close with latkes, a family take-home card, and one clear next invitation.
02 Recruitment
- Begin personal invitations two weeks before the event.
- Ask current families to invite one friend rather than relying on a broad post.
- Sample WhatsApp: Join us for a relaxed Chanukah night where every family makes something beautiful to bring home. No background needed.
03 Budget
- Candle-making supplies: $160–$250
- Food: $90–$150
- Printing and extras: $30–$80
04 Materials
Editable flyerSupply checklistRun of showFollow-up text
Sample content — not licensed for real-world use
05 Follow-up
- Send one family photo or activity reminder that evening where consent permits.
- Invite each family personally to the next Shabbos meal or family program within 48 hours.
- Record the relationship owner and promised next step.
06 What others learned
- Pre-sort supplies by family to reduce waiting.
- Personal invitations produced better-fit attendance than a generic ad.
- Keep the teaching moment short and connected to the activity.