Jessie Taylor
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday celebrated over eight nights. The menorah, a nine-branch candelabra, holds one candle for each night, with the ninth candle, or shamash, being the attendant candle used to light the others. The shamash is placed in the centre of the menorah, with the other candles placed from right to left. As for where to place the menorah, it is customary in Israel to place it outside the door of a house facing the street. However, in diaspora countries, it is more common to place it indoors, often near a window facing the street or on a table near a window, to publicise the miracle of Hanukkah.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement of the menorah | Outside the door of the house facing the street, on a table near a window, or in a window |
| Positioning | On the left side of the entrance, within one handbreadth of the doorpost (approx. 10 cm) |
| Exceptions | If there is no mezuzah on the entrance, the menorah can be placed on the right side |
| Timing | Just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is together |
| Frequency | Eight nights, with one candle for each night |
| First night | Two candles are placed in the menorah: the shamash (in the centre) and another candle to the far right |
| Subsequent nights | Another candle is added each night, always placing and lighting the newest candle first |
| Direction | Candles are placed and lit from right to left, but lit from left to right |
| Blessings | Said before the candles are lit; three blessings on the first night and two on every night thereafter |
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What You'll Learn
Indoors vs. outdoors
The placement of the menorah depends on various factors, including cultural context, safety, and personal preference. While there is no single correct way to place Hanukkah candles, there are several traditions and considerations to keep in mind.
Placing the Menorah Indoors
Placing the menorah indoors is a prevalent custom in the Diaspora (outside of Israel). This tradition has historical roots in concerns about potential antagonism from non-Jews, theft, or vandalism of the menorah. Additionally, in regions with winter weather conditions like rain and strong winds, placing the menorah indoors is a more practical option.
When placing the menorah indoors, it is customary to position it near a window, preferably on a table or a surface that is stable and safe from active children and flammable materials. The window should ideally face the street to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah and allow passers-by to enjoy the candlelight.
Placing the Menorah Outdoors
In Israel, the custom is to place the menorah outside the front door of the house, facing the street. This tradition aligns with the ancient rabbis' belief in publicizing the miracle of Hanukkah as much as possible. If there is a garden or yard between the street and the door, the menorah can be placed either in the street by the garden entrance or inside the garden near the house entrance.
To protect the menorah from strong winds, it should be placed inside a protective glass case when positioned outdoors. Additionally, it is considered preferable to place the menorah on the left side of the entrance, within close proximity to the doorpost.
Ultimately, the decision to place the menorah indoors or outdoors depends on personal circumstances, cultural norms, and the desire to share the Hanukkah tradition with the wider community.
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Placement inside the home
The placement of the menorah inside the home is an important consideration when celebrating Hanukkah. Here are some guidelines and traditions to follow:
Firstly, it is customary to place the menorah near a window, ideally one that faces the street, to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah. This tradition is especially prevalent in Israel, where large outdoor menorahs are often erected by Jewish organizations. However, in Diaspora countries, it is more common to light the menorah indoors due to concerns about antagonism from non-Jews, theft, or inclement weather.
When placing the menorah inside the home, it is traditionally positioned on a table or another stable surface near a window. It is considered preferable to place it to the left side of the door, within one handbreadth of the doorpost (approximately 10 cm). If there is a mezuzah on the entrance, the left side of the doorway is considered the most preferred position. If there is insufficient space, the menorah may be placed horizontally across the entrance, with its left branch close to the left doorpost.
In addition to the physical placement of the menorah, it is important to consider the placement of the candles themselves. The shamash, or "helper" candle, is typically placed in the centre of the menorah. On the first night of Hanukkah, only two candles are lit: the shamash and the candle in the right-most spot. Each subsequent night, another candle is added from right to left, following the direction of Hebrew writing. On the final night, all nine candles, including the shamash, are lit.
It is also important to note that the menorah should be placed away from active children and flammable materials to ensure safety. Additionally, the candles should be allowed to burn for at least 30 minutes before being extinguished, although some may prefer to let them burn out naturally.
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Placement outside the home
The placement of Hanukkah candles outside the home is subject to various customs and opinions. Here are some guidelines and considerations for placing Hanukkah candles outdoors:
Placement Options:
- Outside the Door: One prevalent custom is to place the menorah outside the front door of the house, facing the street. This practice is particularly common in Israel and is done to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah as much as possible.
- Street or Garden Entrance: If you live in an apartment building or a dwelling with a communal garden or yard, you have a couple of options. According to one custom, you can place the menorah in the street by the entrance to the communal garden or yard, or by the door of the apartment building. Alternatively, you can follow another custom and place it inside your home by a window that faces the street.
- Window Facing the Street: If you don't have a door that directly faces the street, placing the menorah in a window is a common practice. This can be an act of defiance and bravery in the face of antisemitism, as seen in historical photographs. Turning off the indoor lights is recommended to make the menorah more noticeable from the street.
- Public Spaces: In many places, Jewish organizations erect large outdoor menorahs in public areas or town centres to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah.
Other Considerations:
- Wind and Weather: In windy conditions, it is advisable to light the menorah indoors or inside a protective glass case outdoors. If the candles blow out within 30 minutes of lighting, some traditions hold that you must relight them without a blessing.
- Safety: Ensure that the candles are placed away from active children and flammable materials, regardless of their location.
- Permission: If you plan to light the menorah in a public space or a shared dwelling, such as a dormitory, obtain permission from the relevant authorities or staff to avoid any inconvenience or fire risks.
- Workplace: Lighting Hanukkah candles at your workplace is generally permissible if you spend most of your day there and eat your meals there. However, some opinions suggest that you should only light them at work without reciting a blessing (bracha).
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Placement facing the street
The Hanukkah menorah is meant to spread light to others and is traditionally placed in a window facing the street or outside the door of the house. This is done to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah as much as possible, as ancient rabbis believed it was important to do so. This is the prevalent custom in Israel today.
In Diaspora countries, however, the custom is to light the menorah indoors. This is due to several reasons, including potential antagonism from non-Jews, the risk of theft or vandalism, and the impracticality of lighting outdoors in winter weather conditions.
If you choose to place your menorah outdoors, it is recommended to put it inside a protective glass case to shield it from the wind. The menorah should be placed on the left side of the entrance, within one handbreadth of the doorpost (approximately 10 cm). If there is no mezuzah on the entrance, it can be placed on the right side.
In addition to placing the menorah facing the street, it is also traditional to put it on a table near a window, preferably to the left side of the door. This allows the light of the candles to shine through and be seen by passers-by, spreading the joy and light of Hanukkah.
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Placement in a window
The Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, is a Jewish celebration that involves placing candles in a menorah. The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside the door, to spread light to others.
When placing the menorah in a window, it is customary to place it in a window facing the street, to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah. This tradition is especially prevalent in Israel, where large outdoor menorahs are often erected by Jewish organizations. Placing the menorah in a window can also be an act of defiance in times of antisemitism.
If you choose to place your menorah in a window, ensure that it is secure and stable, and out of reach of children and flammable materials. It is also important to be mindful of any cultural or religious sensitivities that may be present in your community.
In some cases, it may be more appropriate to light the menorah indoors, particularly in Diaspora countries, where there may be concerns about antagonism, theft, or vandalism. Additionally, winter weather conditions, such as rain and strong winds, can make lighting the menorah outdoors impractical. In such cases, placing the menorah in a window can be a good alternative to outdoor lighting.
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Frequently asked questions
The most traditional place to put the menorah is outside the door of the house facing the street, to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah as much as possible. This is the most common custom in Israel. In the diaspora, the prevalent custom is to light the menorah indoors, usually on a table near a window, preferably to the left side of the door.
If there is a garden or yard between the street and your door, you can place the menorah either in the street by the entrance to the garden or yard, or inside the garden or yard by the entrance to the house. If there is no mezuzah on the entrance, the menorah should be placed on the right side.
This is also a traditional placement, as it allows passersby to see the candles. In moments of antisemitism, some Jews have chosen to light the menorah in a window as an act of defiance and bravery.
