Are there any special feast for Hanukkah?

Answer 1

The 3 Hanukkah blessings are only for candle lighting, there are no other ceremonies.

When you light the candles you say:

"Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech ha-olam a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu le-had-lik ner Shel Cha-nu-kah." (Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.)

You also recite:

"Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam she-a-sa ni-sim la-avo-te-nu ba-ya-mim ha-hem bi-zman ha-zeh." (Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.)

And on the first night only, you recite the prayer for a special occasion:

"Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam she-heche-ya-nu ve-ki-yi-ma-nu ve-higi-a-nu Liz-man ha-zeh." (Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.)

Answer 2

Your own home is a great place! You should light the Chanukah menora in a public area of the house - a place where people will see it, especially from outside. Lighting it in front of a window or outside your door is good. Since it was a public miracle, it's supposed to be publically displayed.

Hanukkah in Israel is really wonderful. The streets are lit up with menoras in residential areas, and there are tons of great activities for kids.

Answer 3

Decorations are voluntary, not required.

Hanukkah is celebrated as follows:
1) People light their menorah with olive oil or candles, every night at or after sundown with the customary blessings and songs, adding one candle for every day until on the 8th evening 8 candles are lit. In Israel, many people light their menorahs outside.

2) Special Hanukkah additions are added to the prayer services:

• a) Al-hanisim ("regarding the miracles") in grace after meals and in the thrice daily prayers
  
• b) Hallel - the Thanksgiving psalms during morning prayers
  
• c) Each day there is a special Torah reading
  

3) A popular Hanukkah game is the "dreidel" game - a four sided top with Hebrew letters, which the children spin for coins or chocolate coins.
4) Dairy products are customary.
5) Foods prepared with oil: Latkes (pancakes), or Sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
6) Giving out Hanukkah money (gelt) to children is an ancient custom. Other gift-giving is non-traditional.See also:

How did Hanukkah start

Answer 4

No. It is traditional to eat potato pancakes (latkes) or jelly donuts (sufganiot), but there is no traditional meal.

Answer 5

The Star of David and the Menorah are two major symbols of Hanukkah.