What is a kosher menorah?
There are not very many requirements for a kosher menorah, and most—but not all—of the menorahs on the market are just fine. The basic elements of the menorah are eight candle (or oil) holders, and one more, that is set a bit higher or lower than the rest, for the shamash (attendant) candle.
What do you say on the first night of Hanukkah?
On the first night of Hanukkah add this blessing: Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu v-ki’y’manu v-higianu la-z’man ha-zeh. Blessed are you, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.
What does the Hanukkah menorah symbolize?
Since biblical times, the seven-branched menorah has symbolized Judaism. The Romans considered the menorah so recognizable a Jewish symbol that they depicted it on the Arch of Titus in Rome to illustrate the spoils that they had carried away after conquering Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
What color are menorah candles?
Sure, blue and white are the designated colors for Hanukkah but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little color into your holiday display. And by a little, we mean a lot. Whether your decorating style is rustic or contemporary (or something in between), these sleek and simple candles will look stunning once lit.
What is a menorah used for?
A menorah, the Hebrew word for lamp, has seven branches. It was originally used in the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Menorahs were lit daily using olive oil of the purest quality. A hanukkiyah is a Hanukkah menorah used specifically to light the candles (often used today instead of oil) on Hanukkah.
Why are there nine candles in a menorah?
Light the Menorah The centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration is the hanukkiah or menorah, a candelabra that holds nine candles. Eight candles symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed; the ninth, the shamash, is a helper candle used to light the others.
Why is it called a menorah?
Name. English speakers most commonly call the lamp a “menorah” or “Hanukkah menorah” (the Hebrew word menorah simply meaning “lamp”).
What is an appropriate greeting for Hanukkah?
Hanukkah Sameach
Which side of Menorah do you start with?
A: The candles are lighted in the opposite direction from how they are placed in the chanukiah. They are lighted from left to right, so that the newest candle is always lighted first. The helper candle, or shamash, is lighted first, and that candle is used to light all the other candles.
Why do you eat jelly donuts on Hanukkah?
Why do we eat latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) on Chanukah? The short answer is because the holiday of Chanukah is about the small jar of oil miraculously lasting for eight days and therefore, frying foods in oil commemorates that miracle.
What is the most important Hanukkah observance?
The celebration of Hanukkah includes a variety of religious and nonreligious customs. The most important of all is the lighting of the menorah, a candelabra with eight branches plus a holder for the shammash (“servant”) candle that is used to light the other eight candles.
What do the fried Hanukkah foods symbolize?
Indeed, Jews celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah with fried foods to commemorate the miracle that occurred in their temple after the Maccabean victory over Antiochus of Syria some 21 centuries ago, Nathan says. …
What is the middle candle on a menorah called?
Shamash
Where is the golden menorah?
Old City of Jerusalem
What is traditional Hanukkah food?
Throughout the eight days of Hanukkah, Jewish families like mine celebrate by eating latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (fried jelly doughnuts). Traditional Hanukkah foods are often fried because they’re reminders of the oil in the legendary Hanukkah story.
In what order do you light the Hanukkah candles?
What do the 7 candles on the menorah mean?
The seven lamps allude to the branches of human knowledge, represented by the six lamps inclined inwards towards, and symbolically guided by, the light of God represented by the central lamp. The menorah also symbolizes the creation in seven days, with the center light representing the Sabbath.
What color should a menorah be?
Correct Order for Lighting Candles Candles in a menorah are most commonly white, but any color can be used. Hanukkah lasts for eight days, and each night one lit candle is added to the menorah.
How many candles are on a 7 or 9 menorah?
A seven branch menorah must be part of every Jewish home and lit as sign of enlightenment and symbol to temple menorah. A Kosher Hanukah menorah is when 8 candle holders are in one line with a ninth Shamash, out of placed in height or position on the 9 branched menorah.
Does menorah have to be in straight line?
You see, there are specific laws that determine if a menorah is authorized for ritual use on Hanukkah. Most glaringly, the eight candles for the eight days must be arranged in a straight line.
Is saying Happy Hanukkah appropriate?
Knowing how to say happy Hanukkah is important for anyone who enjoys sharing holiday greetings with friends, family members or colleagues. While the actual phrase “Happy Hanukkah” is an appropriate greeting for the Jewish observance of Hanukkah, it is not the only one.
What is a fried Hanukkah treat?
Potential answers for “Fried Hanukkah treat” LATKE. POTATOPANCAKE. FRITTER. LATKES. ONIONRING.
What are Hanukkah traditions?
Celebrate the festival of lights and stick to Hanukkah traditions to show your appreciation for the holiday. Take part in Chanukah traditions such as lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game, eating gelt, cooking and baking delicious food, and enjoying the fun of Hanukkah gifts.
Can a menorah have 5 candles?
The nine branch menorah is most widely seen by most people, especially during Chanukah. This menorah is called a Chanukiah and, in reality, has eight candles for the eight days of Chanukah, and a single candle (sitting higher or lower than the eight) known as the servant candle (shamash).