Chloe Adams
The Chanukah menorah, also known as a Hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Chanukah. The ninth branch holds a candle called the shamash, or helper, used to light the other eight. The shamash is placed separately from the other eight candles, either higher or lower, to distinguish it from the Chanukah candles. The candles can be lit using either candle flames or oil, with olive oil being preferable due to the miracle of Chanukah occurring with olive oil. If you don't have a menorah, there are alternatives to still light the Chanukah lights, such as using beer bottles or borrowing a menorah from a friend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 8, plus 1 helper candle |
| Type of candles | Oil-based or wax |
| Ideal type | Oil-based, preferably olive oil |
| Candle holders | Fire-resistant cups or glasses |
| Wicks | Yes |
| Lighting time | After nightfall, ideally 30 minutes after sunset |
| Blessing recitation | Before lighting the candles |
| Lighting order | One additional candle each night |
| Displaying an unlit menorah | Acceptable throughout the year |
| Displaying a lit menorah | Only during the festival of Chanukah |
| Electric menorahs | Used for decoration |
| Use of candlelight | Forbidden to derive benefit from the light |
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What You'll Learn
Borrow a menorah or buy one from a Jewish store
If you don't have a menorah, you can always borrow one from a friend or a neighbour. This is a common practice, especially in yeshivas, where people often "borrow" or buy candles and other supplies from each other.
However, if borrowing is not an option, you can always buy a menorah from a Jewish store. Menorahs are among the most widely produced articles of Jewish ceremonial art, so you should be able to find one in a store that specialises in Jewish products. They come in all shapes and sizes, and you can choose between a traditional candle menorah or a modern electric one.
If you're unable to get to a Jewish store, you can also try to create a makeshift menorah. Some people have used empty beer bottles to hold candles, for example. However, this option may be less safe and more labour-intensive than simply buying or borrowing a proper menorah.
Remember, it is customary to light the menorah on each of the eight nights of Chanukah, with blessings said and another candle added each night. The ninth candle, the shamash or "helper", is used to light the other eight. So, make sure you have enough candles or oil to last the entire holiday.
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Use empty beer bottles as candle holders
If you're looking for a vintage, classy look, you can use empty beer bottles as candle holders. It's a great way to upcycle glass, which can take a long time to be recycled. However, it's important to note that this method can be unsafe, as beer bottles are not designed to be heat-safe and may shatter. If you wish to proceed, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, decide whether you want to cut the bottle or use it as is. If you choose to cut it, you will need to remove the neck of the bottle to create a cup. This can be done by clamping a glass scoring tool in a vise and making a cut just below where the neck starts to slope. Rotate the bottle with constant pressure to score a line around it. You can then break the bottle into two pieces: the neck and the body. Sand the cut edge until it is smooth and the neck can stand steadily on a flat surface.
If you choose not to cut the bottle, ensure that the candle is not too tall, as it may make the bottle top-heavy and cause it to topple over. You can break or cut the candle to the appropriate height, or stick the candle in upside down to find the right thickness for the bottle opening.
For a decorative touch, you can place the bottle on an old wooden wine cast and burn the candle until some of the wax leaks onto the bottle. After extinguishing the flame, add a fake spider web to complete the look.
Please note that if you plan to sell or give away your beer bottle candle holders, you must follow the ASTM F2179 Candle Safety Standard and other relevant ASTM Standards.
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Make a makeshift menorah with special Chanukah oil-glasses or candles
The basic elements of a kosher menorah are eight holders for oil or candles and an additional holder, set apart from the rest, for the shamash or "helper" candle. The shamash is used to light the other eight candles. The Chanukah lights can either be candle flames or oil-fueled. Since the miracle of Chanukah happened with olive oil, an oil menorah is preferable to a candle one, and olive oil is the ideal fuel.
If you are using an oil menorah, you can use several glasses or cups placed in a straight line. You can also cut a small potato in half to make two oil cups and repeat this process until you have nine cups. Then, scoop out a hole in the top of each cup, fill it with olive oil, and add a wick. If you are using candles, you can fix them in a row on a tray or similar surface.
When making a makeshift menorah, you can use nine small terracotta pots filled with sand and stick a candle in the centre of each, with the middle candle being the tallest. Alternatively, you can line up nine glass bottles and put a candle in the neck of each bottle, using eight bottles of the same height and one taller bottle in the middle. If you want a menorah that is easy to move around, try gluing nine hex nuts together in a row with a tenth hex nut glued to the top of the middle nut. Then, stick a candle in each hex nut.
There are many creative ways to make a makeshift menorah with special Chanukah oil-glasses or candles.
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Borrow or buy candles, wicks, etc. from a friend
If you don't have Chanukah candles, wicks, or other supplies, you can "borrow" or buy them from a friend. This is a common solution if you find yourself without the necessary items to celebrate the holiday. It is obligatory to light candles during Chanukah, and one should even borrow money to buy them if necessary. The community is also obligated to provide candles for those who cannot afford them.
If you are unable to borrow or buy candles and wicks from a friend, there are other options for creating a makeshift menorah. For example, you can use empty beer bottles to hold candles, as the shape of the bottles may be similar to a traditional menorah. This solution may be especially useful if you have standard Shabbos candles on hand, as they fit perfectly into beer bottles.
While a real flame is preferable, it is not necessary. You can also use electric menorahs, which use light bulbs instead of candles, for decorative purposes. These are a wonderful way to publicize the Chanukah miracle, especially if you are unable to access traditional candles and wicks.
Remember, the key is to commemorate the miracles of Chanukah, so feel free to get creative with your solutions if you don't have all the necessary supplies.
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If you're in yeshiva, you can buy supplies from a friend
If you're in yeshiva and you want to make your own menorah, you can buy supplies from a friend or a local hardware store. Here are some ideas for what you'll need and how to put it all together:
Supplies
First, you'll need to gather your supplies. A simple menorah can be made from nine small terracotta pots and sand. You can also use nine or ten metal hex nuts, nine candles, a long slab of wood, and strong glue. If you can't find nuts that will hold your candles, you can glue tea candles directly onto the wood instead. Any decorations you'd like to use are also an option.
Assembly
If you're using terracotta pots, fill each pot with sand and stick a candle in the centre of each, ensuring that the middle candle is the tallest. This will be the shamash or "helper" candle.
If you're using the metal hex nuts, glue eight of them onto the wood in one row, ensuring they are evenly spaced and leaving room for the ninth nut. Weighing down the nuts with heavy objects will help the glue bond. Once the glue is dry, add the ninth nut for the shamash or "helper" candle.
Alternative Ideas
If you're feeling creative, there are plenty of DIY menorah ideas online, from Legos to soda bottles and toilet paper rolls. However, keep in mind that some of these may not be suitable for actual candle lighting.
With a little creativity and some supplies from your friends or the hardware store, you can make your own unique menorah to celebrate Chanukah!
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Frequently asked questions
You can create a makeshift menorah by using empty beer bottles as candleholders. You can also borrow or buy a menorah from a friend.
You can use colourful Jewish Hanukkah candles or olive oil lamps, as the miracle of Chanukah happened with olive oil.
You should light one candle on the first night and an additional candle every night until all eight candles are lit on the final night.
The Chanukah menorah is typically lit around nightfall each of the eight nights of Chanukah.
