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∙ 12y agoYou can but there's really no point, unless you want to emulate the Christian custom of leaving a tree up until after new years.
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How far in advance of the lighting of the first candle do you put out a menorah?
There's no rule. Usually, the menorah is set up in the minutes or hours leading up to the first evening of Hanukkah.
What is a Hanukkah light?
It's actually candles. There are eight candles and they are usually white. The Menorah is what holds the candles in place for Hanukkah. there are no specific candles. The Menorah is usually gold and is shaped like an upside down rainbow w/ 4 lines making up the rainbow. On each end of the curved line there is a candle holder for each candle.
How long do you keep the Hanukkah candles lit for each night?
For the eight days of Hanukkah. More than that is neither necessary nor customary.For more about Hanukkah:http://judaism.answers.com/jewish-holidays/hanukkah
How do Jews papare for Hanukkah?
The only thing that needs preparation is the menorah (Hanukkiyah; candelabrum). To purchase candles and set up the candelabrum. Many Orthodox Jews light the menorah with olive oil and wicks, so that needs the relevant preparation.
Do the Jewish decorate for Hanukkah?
Some Jews decorate for Hanukkah. There is a reason of Pirsumei Nissah, publicizing the miracle; but for that, the menorah itself is enough. Not all Jews put up decorations, and by no means does it have to be done. But it is a nice thing to do, and therefore many Jews do it.
Why did the menorah change from 7 candles to 9 candles?
The menorah in the Temple in Jerusalem (the Beit Hamikdash) was lit with olive oil, not candles. It had seven branches (three on each side and one in the middle) as commanded explicitly (Exodus ch.25).To celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah, we also use a menorah. But since the oil miraculously lasted for eight days, we use a menorah that has eight branches (plus the shamash-candle used to light the others. This added candle need not be part of the menorah).Other informationThe Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) were miraculously victorious. When they reached the Temple grounds, they immediately reconsecrated it to God. As part of this action, they relit the Menorah (Exodus ch.25), which was fueled with olive oil. However, it soon became apparent that there was only sufficient oil to keep the candelabra burning for one single day - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more.Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
How many days in advance of the first lighting of the candle is it appropriate to put out the menorah?
There's no rule. It's just a matter of preference. But usually, it is set up the day before the first evening.
What symbols represent Hannukkan and why?
The main symbol of Hanukkah is the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum. Each night of the eight-day holiday, one additional candle is lit to commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days in the temple. Another symbol is the dreidel, a spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side, representing the game played during Hanukkah. Other symbols associated with Hanukkah include gelt (chocolate coins) and latkes (potato pancakes), which are traditional foods eaten during the holiday.
What rules for behavior are there for Hanukkah?
The rituals: lighting the Hanukkah-menorah and saying the appropriate blessings and prayers. The tradition: The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) were miraculously victorious. When they reached the Temple grounds, they immediately reconsecrated it to God. As part of this action, they relit the Menorah (Exodus ch.25), which was fueled with olive oil. However, it soon became apparent that there was only sufficient oil to keep the candelabra burning for one single day - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought. The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation). The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs. (The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.) The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil. Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil. It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
How to Host a Hanukkah Gathering?
Hanukkah is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish faith. As such, it is very important that you do everything possible to make things perfect when you are hosting a Hanukkah gathering. When you have friends and family coming over to your house to gather together this Hanukkah, follow these tips to make sure that you get everything right. Get a Menorah This is the most iconic symbol of the Hanukkah celebration. More properly known as a hanukiya, the menorah has nine candles that represent the miracle of the lamp at the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Even though they only had oil for one night, the lamp stayed lit for nine nights. That is why an extra candle is lit every night of Hanukkah. You can light the candle before guests arrive if you wish, but it is even more magical when you ask a child at the gathering to light the evening's candle when everyone is together. Decorations This is an option, but you don't have to do it to host a Hanukkah gathering. However, putting up decoration is a great way to make the celebration more festive. A "Happy Hanukkah" banner is a great idea. Decorations that feature gold coins, menorahs and Stars of David add a nice look to your gathering space. Food The food is what will make or break your Hanukkah celebration. Everyone dreams about the food they had growing up during Hanukkah, and you will have to live up to their often overblown expectations. The key to doing well with the food is to get into the spirit of frying. Fried foods are the cornerstone of Hanukkah. Latkes in particular are very important. The key to making your fried food turn out well is to make sure your oil is hot. Also, fry things up fresh to order. Fried food will get soggy if it sits around. Kids Area You want to have an area where kids can be out of the way and keep themselves entertained. Stock this area with lots of coloring books with Hanukkah themes. Also, make sure to put out a few dreidels for them to enjoy as well. If you follow these tips, your Hanukkah gathering will be a great success. The key is to get everything together ahead of time so that you are ready to go on the first night. That way, you will be able to enjoy the holiday without stress.
When was the first menorah used?
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) were miraculously victorious. When they reached the Temple grounds, they immediately reconsecrated it to God. As part of this action, they relit the Menorah (Exodus ch.25), which was fueled with olive oil. However, it soon became apparent that there was only sufficient oil to keep the candelabra burning for one single day - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought. The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation). The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs. (The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.) The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil. Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil. It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
What symbols represent Christmas Hanukkah?
You would never see Jewish symbols for Christmas in a frum neighborhood. Sometimes you see big inflatable menorahs or light-up magnei David, but usually these are put up by either intermarried couples or atheists and agnostics.
