The Menorah
Make Light!
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.
Who: 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
prayerbook.
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 half an hour (except for
Friday afternoon). Share some
Chanukah stories with your
family, enjoy a dreidel game,
and indulge in some hot latkes!
** Live in Nigeria & need a Menorah. Call Avraham Ben Yisrael on
07030432474 to get yours now.
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