The Hanukkah menorah is a candelabra that holds nine candles and is lit during the eight nights of the Jewish holiday known as Hanukkah.
About the Chanukiah
The Hanukkah menorah, or Chanukiah, was inspired by the lamp that stands in the synagogue, known as ner tamid—which translates to the eternal flame. When the Maccabees reclaimed their holy temple from the Greeks, they discovered that many of the relics in the temple had been stolen or destroyed. They wanted to relight the menorah, but there was only enough oil to burn for one night.
The miracle of Hanukkah is that the oil burned for not one night, but eight nights. That is why the original ner tamid differs from the Chanukiah. The Chanukiah has nine candle holders, while the temple menorah has only seven.Jewish Virtual Library: Menorah History.com: The History of Hanukkah
How to Light Hanukkah Candles
Learn how to light Hanukkah candles with Rabbi Eli Levitansky. To light the menorah, the shamus candle is used. The first night only has one candle. The first night has three blessings and other nights have two. The lighter candle is used to light the candles each night.
How to Celebrate Hanukkah
Rabbi Eli Levitansky offers information on how to celebrate Hanukkah through this Mahalo.com holiday tutorial. One way the holiday is through the lighting of the menorah each night. Hanukkah is also celebrated with traditional foods and games.
How to Spell Hanukkah
Learn how to spell Hanukkah the traditional way with Rabbi Eli Levitansky of Mahalo.com. The rabbi teaches the traditional spelling of "Chanukah" and offers proper pronunciation tips. For more Hanukkah (Chanukah) tutorials visit the MahaloDotCom YouTube account.
First Night of Hanukkah
Learn about the tradition of celebrating Hanukkah with Rabbi Eli Levitansky. This Mahalo.com produced video is part of a series about Hanukkah published on the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
What is Hanukkah?
Rabbi Eli Levitansky discusses what is hanukkah, (the celebration of lights) in this Mahalo.com produced video. The traditions and history of Hanukkah are discussed as well as what it represents today. This video is published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube and is part of a wider series focusing on Hanukkah.
Hanukkah Latkes and Sufganiyot
Rabbi Eli Levitansky talks about traditional Hanukkah foods in this video. Featured are latkes and sufganiyot. Full descriptions are provided about the food as well as why they became traditional at Hanukkah time. This Mahalo.com produced video is part of a series about Hanukkah published on the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
How to Play the Dreidel on Hanukkah
Rabbi Evi Levitansky discusses how to play the dreidel on Hanukkah. The dreidel is a four sided spinning top played with during the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. This video is part of a wider series available on the Mahalo.com channel of videos available on YouTube.
What is Hanukkah Gelt?
Rabbi Eli Levitansky returns with another Mahalo.com produced video, this one teaches what is Hanukkah gelt? The video focuses on money, which is given to children at Hanukkah. Watch the video to learn more, this video is part of a wider series of videos produced on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
What Time Does Hanukkah begin?
If you have ever wondered when Hanukkah begins, then watch this video which will provide the answer. Hosted by Rabbi Eli Levitansky and produced by Mahalo.com this video is part of the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
When is Hanukkah?
If you have ever asked yourself the question when is hanukkah?, watch this video, which will answer all you need to know. The video is hosted by Rabbi Eli Levitanksy and is part of the Mahalo.com channel published on YouTube.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Hanukkah 2008 begins at sunset December 21 and ends at sunset December 29About.com: When is Hanukkah 2008?
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First night of Hanukkah on Jewish calendar
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Fact:
The menorah is traditionally lit outside, or where it can be seen from outsideHebrew for Christians: Chanukah Blessings
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Fact:
Menorah also known as a "Hanukiah" and a "Chanukiah"About.com: Hanukkah Menorah
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Fact:
The "Shamash" is the first candle and used to light the other candlesAbout.com: Hanukkah Menorah
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Fact:
A series of blessings are spoken while lighting the menorah
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Fact:
The menorah is lit when the first stars appear in the skyChabad.org: When to Light the Menorah
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Fact:
Lights should burn for at least thirty minutes before extinguishingChabad.org: When to Light the Menorah
