duane.schoon
For all of my Jewish Friends, helping you celebrate the festival of lights
The eight days of Hanukkah are times of rejoicing, which is reflected in the original meaning of the term Chanu Kaf-Hay, the 25th day they rested. Hanukkah itself means "dedication." Hallel, or praise, is recited during the morning prayers of all eight days, and grace, or birkat hamazon, is said after each meal. Friends and family exchange gifts, put up Hanukkah decorations and light the Hanukkah Menorah.
Hanukkah The Festival of Lights
The menorah, or Hanukiyah, holds nine candles. Eight candles represent the eight days of Hanukkah, and the ninth, the Shamash, is used to light the other candles. The candles are kindled from left to right, with one candle for each day of the festival, so that as every day passes, the menorah becomes brighter and brighter.
Ideally, a menorah should be kindled with olive oil and cotton wicks, as olive oil was used to light the Eternal Light. Wax candles are perfectly acceptable, however, and most Menorahs are lit with candles. Although the menorah may be made of wood, glass or metal, even light as in Duane's awesome work,in all cases it should be attractive, and the eight Hanukkah candles must be in a straight line.
Blessings are said before the candles (three blessings on the first night, and two every night thereafter). The candles' light is not to be used for any other purpose other than contemplation of the miracle of Hanukkah—they should not be used to read by, or for any other secular function. The kindled menorah is displayed prominently in a front window or near a doorway and remains lit for at least half an hour after nightfall.
For all of my Jewish Friends, helping you celebrate the festival of lights
The eight days of Hanukkah are times of rejoicing, which is reflected in the original meaning of the term Chanu Kaf-Hay, the 25th day they rested. Hanukkah itself means "dedication." Hallel, or praise, is recited during the morning prayers of all eight days, and grace, or birkat hamazon, is said after each meal. Friends and family exchange gifts, put up Hanukkah decorations and light the Hanukkah Menorah.
Hanukkah The Festival of Lights
The menorah, or Hanukiyah, holds nine candles. Eight candles represent the eight days of Hanukkah, and the ninth, the Shamash, is used to light the other candles. The candles are kindled from left to right, with one candle for each day of the festival, so that as every day passes, the menorah becomes brighter and brighter.
Ideally, a menorah should be kindled with olive oil and cotton wicks, as olive oil was used to light the Eternal Light. Wax candles are perfectly acceptable, however, and most Menorahs are lit with candles. Although the menorah may be made of wood, glass or metal, even light as in Duane's awesome work,in all cases it should be attractive, and the eight Hanukkah candles must be in a straight line.
Blessings are said before the candles (three blessings on the first night, and two every night thereafter). The candles' light is not to be used for any other purpose other than contemplation of the miracle of Hanukkah—they should not be used to read by, or for any other secular function. The kindled menorah is displayed prominently in a front window or near a doorway and remains lit for at least half an hour after nightfall.