In my quest for creative menorahs, I’ve found felt menorahs, Lego menorahs and mahjong menorahs. But for its compactness and portability, I have to say I love the Altoids tin menorah. Hex nuts glued in a line act as miniature candleholders, and the tin can be closed so you can pack it in your bag.
Altoids aren’t kosher, however, so to make the menorah in this example, I looked far and wide for kosher mints (to be enjoyed later) in a tin container. I eventually found certified kosher Mensch Mints at Dylan’s Candy Bar at The Grove. (Me, going to The Grove, at holiday time — the sacrifices I make for my readers.)
Keep in mind that this menorah uses birthday candles, and these small candles will not burn for the required 30-minute minimum. So if you’re a traditionalist, you may want to use it only for decorative purposes, or as a novelty menorah to supplement your real one.
Finally, remember: This menorah is not a toy. Lit candles should never be left unattended. And place the menorah on a nonflammable surface away from anything that can catch fire.
What you’ll need:
Mint tin
11 hex nuts (size 1/4 inch-20)
Super glue
Birthday candles
1. Clean the inside of the mint tin. At the hardware store, purchase 11 hex nuts — eight for the Hanukkah candles and three for the shamash candle.
2. With super glue, attach eight hex nuts in a straight row to the bottom of the tin. There is just enough room for eight nuts lined up side by side.
3. Stack three nuts together and attach them with super glue, and place that either in front of or in back of the row of eight nuts. This stack will elevate the shamash candle.
4. Place candles in the hex nuts on successive nights according to custom. Look for extra-long birthday candles at the supermarket.
Jonathan Fong is host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube and author of “Parties that Wow.”
