How to Make Candles for Hanukkah

Hanukkah is celebrated all over the world during the month of December. Also known as the Festival of Lights, candles play an important role in commemorating the miraculous burning of the eternal flame of the Temple for eight days when there was barely enough oil to fuel it for one. Make this year's holiday equally illuminating by learning how to make candles for Hanukkah.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large, sharp knife
• Double boiler
• Wicking
• Wooden spoon
• 1/2 lb. paraffin wax
• Candy or meat thermometer

Learn How to Make Candles for Hanukkah

1. Begin to make candles for Hanukkah by bringing the water in the double boiler to a boil using medium heat. While the water is heating, carefully break up the paraffin wax into small chunks using a sharp knife.

2. Gently add the chunks of paraffin wax to the top pan of the double boiler. As the wax melts, stir carefully with a wooden spoon. Continue heating the wax until it reaches 160 degrees F.

3. Cut the wicking into the length you want your candles to be, plus an inch or two more. For instance, if you want to make 8 inch Hanukkah candles, then cut the wicking into 10 inch pieces.

4. Prepare a wick to make your first Hanukkah candle by dipping it into the melted wax for 10 seconds and then pull it back out to cool. Then repeat. Note that you may have trouble doing this at first, but as the wick picks up more wax it will get easier.

5. Continue dipping the wick to pick up more layers of wax, letting the wax adhere for a few seconds and then pulling it out to cool for one minute. Keep repeating this step until you have the desired thickness for your first Hanukkah candle.

6. Use the extra length of the wick to tie the finished candle onto a drying rack or other object where it can hang freely. You may also tie the wick around a pencil and suspend it using the ends of a pencil to brace it over an empty metal can or jar until hardened.

7. Repeat the above steps until you have eight (or nine if you're using a Chanukiah) candles for Hanukkah. Allow each candle to harden thoroughly before using (which takes several hours or even overnight for best results) and trim the wicks. If you wish, you may also trim the ends of the candles with a sharp knife.

Tips & Warnings

• If the candles become lumpy at any point, you can roll them gently while the wax is still soft to smooth them out.
• Never leave melting wax unattended or leave children alone if they are making candles with you.
• Never heat wax directly over the flame since it has a short flashpoint and can burst into flames quite easily.
• Never pour hot wax down the drain. Instead, pour it off into an empty coffee can and dispose of it after the wax has completely hardened.