Why: The Menorah lighting was instituted as a publicity
strategy: advertising to the entire world that G-d makes miracles for
those who stand up for truth and justice.
When: The Maccabees chased away the forces of darkness with
swords; we do it with candles. That's why we light the Menorah shortly
after sunset. Two exceptions: On Friday evening, light the candles
before sunset. On Saturday evening light them after dark.
Where: Wherever you happen to be living at the time. Set up the Menorah in a central doorway, near the doorpost opposite the
mezuzah. Others have the custom of placing it on a windowsill facing the street.
The Chanukah miracle involved olive oil, so that's the fuel of choiceWho:
Every Jewish person-men, women and children. In many homes, the head of
the household lights one Menorah for everyone. In others, everyone
lights their own. Some light one candle and let the kids light the rest.
The Menorah: The Chanukah miracle involved olive oil, so
that's the fuel of choice. But you can use any candle that will burn
until one half hour after nightfall. Electric menorahs are good for
decoration, but you need the old fashioned one to fulfill the mitzvah.
How:
1. Get everyone around the Menorah.
2. Light the
shamash ("attendant") candle.
3. While standing, recite the blessings found in the prayer-book.
4. Light the candles. On the first night, set one candle to the
far right
of the Menorah and add each night towards the left. Each night, light
the newest candle first and continue lighting from left to right. Add
from right to left, light from left to right.
5. Place the
shamash in its place on the Menorah and sing the
Haneirot Halalu and/or
Maoz Tzur Chanukah hymns.
6. Linger around the candles for about a half hour (except for Friday
afternoon). Share some Chanukah stories with your family, enjoy a
draidel game and indulge in some hot
latkes!
For more information, check out our
Menorah Wizard.
