Hanukkah -- a holiday for reuse and recycle? Doesn't sound right with all the gifts galore. However, this custom from Kurdistan proves that it's possible.
When it came to celebrating Hanukkah even the poorest Jew in Kurdistan didn't have egg on his/her face. To the contrary! They proved that Hanukkah was everything it's cracked up to be. So what if they couldn't afford a fancy Hanukkiah (Menorah)?! Their children had just as much fun -- perhaps even more -- lighting their homemade versions made out of egg shells. With eggs being a staple in everyone's diet, there were enough cracked eggshells to use as cups for wicks and oil for the required number to light every night.
A simple, fun solution with a lesson in conservation rolled into one. You can't get better than that!
Gift giving on Hanukkah can come in many forms. A back to basics present of two cracked eggshells on the first night will bring a broad smile to everyone's face and set the tone for eight nights of fun.
Happy Hanukkah!
