The first Hanukkah candle will be lit this year on Sunday night, Dec. 2, and that’s less than a month away. Since Hanukkah is so close, it’s time to announce the 22nd annual Hanukkah Art Contest, co-hosted by The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle, Chabad of Leawood and The J.
Submit an original piece of artwork or poetry that relates to the story or celebration of Hanukkah. The art contest is open to all students in grades Pre-K-8. There are three age categories: Pre-K through first, second through fifth and sixth through eighth.


Each age group will have a first prize winner of a $50 gift card, in addition to the grand prize winner of a $100 gift card to Amazon or Target. All prizes are provided by Chabad. Every entrant receives a ticket to the “Chanukah on Ice” party at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, at Park Place featuring KC Chiefs offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz.
Entries must include the student’s name, grade, religious school (if applicable), email and parent’s phone numbers during business and evening hours, on a separate paper attached to the back of the artwork. Students should not write their names on their entries as judges are not allowed to know the identities of the artists.
Entries may be dropped off at The J reception desk from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Nov. 18 and Nov. 21. The grand prize winner will be featured on the front cover of The Jewish Chronicle Chanukah edition and all artwork will be displayed at The Glass Gallery at The J from Dec. 5-10. A student is not eligible to win the grand prize two consecutive years.
Menorahs must be kosher, showing eight aligned candles of equal height.
Since its inception, the contest has attracted children from all corners of the Jewish community. Students must live in the greater Kansas City or surrounding areas (Lawrence, Topeka and St. Joseph) to be eligible.
Projects must be original and relate to the story or celebration of Hanukkah and can be submitted in any of the categories below.
Art: May be either two- or three-dimensional (for example paint, drawing, craft or sculpture). Entries created from kits will be disqualified.
Writing: Poem on the meaning of Hanukkah.
Entries will be available for pickup after Chanukah.
The decision of the judges (staff members of The Chronicle, The J and Chabad House) shall be final.
For questions or more information, visit www.ChabadKC.org or contact the Chabad House, 913-205-9524 or .