Tag: Chanukah

The complexities of Menorah Lighting made simple

People have been asking me how to light the Hanukkah Menorah, or Chanukiah. Should you light from left to right or right to left? And is that perspective from the person lighting the candles or from the window where others see it? Who knew it could be so complicated! Of course, this assumes we’ve already answered other questions: do we light all the candles every night or just one additional candle each night? Do we all light the same Menorah, or does each person get to light their own? Oy!

But the answer is that we have our opinion on the proper way for it to be done, which is as follows:

Facing the Menorah, we light the candle for the newest night, then light the rest of the lights. Our tradition says we should say the blessing and then do the thing for which we said the blessing immediately afterward. But because there are at least two blessings (three on the first night), many of us light while the blessings are in process.

But the most important rule of all is that we participate in the Hanukkah celebration by lighting the candles.

So, how do you light the Menorah?

With intention!

Chag Urim Sameach- Happy Festival of Lights

Chag Chanukah Sameach, Happy Hanukkah

Chanukah

We prepare for the first night of Hanukkah, deeply shaken by the murderous assault on Bondi Beach and at Brown University.

The wanton hatred and violence are almost overwhelming. But we must find a way to gather this evening around our chanukiot, light our candles, place them in the window, and be with each other, letting the miracle of rededication take hold with an additional layer of meaning, overcoming the darkness of the moment and shining a light of love and hope.

Chag Urim Sameach,

Rabbi David Levin

President

The Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia

 

Chag Urim Sameach and Shabbat Shalom

As we welcome Shabbat, Chanukah is just beyond.  The Shabbat Candles of Friday will be followed by the first lights of Chanukah on Sunday eve.

Six13 shares a delightful medley blending Wicked music with great Chanukah lyrics.  Enjoy!

Lean into the light this season and experience the warmth and glow of our tradition.

Shabbat Shalom

Chag Urim Sameach! Happy Chanukah

How do you light the Chanukah Menorah?

As you can imagine, this was a discussion among the Rabbis.  The Talmud famously pits the House of Shammai against the House of Hillel, our preeminent first pair of rabbis.

Do you light one candle the first night and increase another candle every night until all are lit on the eighth day?

Or do you light all the candles on the First day and decrease the number until you reach one candle?

Most of us know Hillel won that argument, so we increase the light with every passing day.

Do you use Applesauce or Sour Cream when you eat latkes?  They never decided on this argument, so we do both! (actually, I am pretty sure they never engaged in this discussion- I am making it up)

Do you light one Menorah for the family, or does everyone get to light their own?

 

Did you know the Menorah we use for Chanukah is called a Chanukiah?  (it is an eight-light, plus Shamash, candelabra as distinguished from the seven-armed menorah used in the Temple).

Do you put the menorah in your front window for the community to view?

Why do I always seem to lack the right number of candles?

And when I buy candles on sale after Chanukah, I can’t remember where I put them for the next year.

Last but not least, is it Chanukah, Hannukah, or Channukah, Hanukah, Hanukkah, etc.?

We can get all caught up in both the fun and serious questions as we determine how we want to celebrate our holiday.  But remember it is about celebrating the holiday.

It is a time of celebration and rededication. We remember the story of Jewish victory, which instilled pride in our heritage and gave us strength and confidence as we face seemingly enormous challenges today. We spend time with our family, sharing the light’s glow, the pleasure of the food, and the fun of the games. May your Chanukah be wonderous!

Chag Urim Sameach, Happy Hanukah!

Shabbat Shalom (and Chag Urim Sameach)

As we welcome Shabbat, Hanukkah comes immediately after on the 18th.  Six13, the outstanding a capella group shares “Elton Johnukah.” Take a listen and enjoy the music and the joy.

Shabbat Shalom

(PS shout out to Jeff and Ilene for sharing this video with me so I can share it here)