In the weeks leading up to Chanukah, thousands of Jewish children took part in the CKids Miracle Makers’ Olive Press, an immersive CKids experience hosted at more than 300 Chabad Houses and engaging over 9,000 children worldwide. Instead of simply learning about the miracle of oil, families experienced it through movement, creativity, and hands-on discovery.
“On Chanukah, the Rebbe would always emphasize the focus on Chinuch,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “Children have a unique power to be like the Chanukah candles, Neiros Lehair, to illuminate their homes with the warmth, joy, and sincerity of Yiddishkeit.”
Across continents and communities, the event kicked off with a fast-paced (and hilarious) olive harvest race. Children then brought their olives into the Oil Pipeline, where they crushed, pressed, and filtered them step by step. As the oil slowly emerged, kids watched in amazement as they produced their very own pure olive oil.
Next came the Maccabee Investigation, a high-energy mission to recover nine lost items through a modern twist on the traditional dreidel game. With dreidels spinning and clues unfolding, children became detectives searching for the hidden treasures of the Beit Hamikdash. The investigation concluded with the discovery of nine clay jugs, which children used to craft their very own Miracle Jug Menorah, a highlight of the event. Each child created a beautiful menorah to bring home and light themselves.
From Kelowna to Maryland to Belgravia, the enthusiasm poured in from Hebrew School Directors and Parents. “We had our club last night, and it was tons of fun!” said Fraidy Hecht of Chabad of Kelowna, BC. “Loads of hands-on fun today,” added Rochel Blasenstein of Chabad Center and Lubavitch of Maryland. “It was really enjoyed by all,” said Toby Weiss of Chabad Belgravia.
Throughout the program, challenges and activities were woven in to reinforce the message at the heart of the experience: “כתית למאור” – that an olive gives its best oil only when it is crushed. This message felt especially meaningful this year. In the wake of recent terrorist attacks, Jewish communities around the world have felt shaken and pained. Yet, just like the olive, when we are crushed as a nation, our light doesn’t fade, it shines brighter. Through acts of mitzvot, unity, and pride, that light continues to grow.
The experience concluded in Chabad Houses around the world with Community Menorah Lightings. Families gathered to sing, celebrate, and watch the flames rise, filling rooms with warmth, music, and that unmistakable Chanukah glow.
and i would like to do the olive press too.