How to Place a Chanukiah in a Home

The Chanukiah is a special menorah designed to be used specifically during the eight days of Hanukkah. Unlike an ordinary menorah, the Chanukiah is a candelabrum that has nine branches instead of seven. According to Jewish custom and law of the Talmud, where and how to place the Chanukiah in a home also has significance. Find out more about these traditions by learning how to place a Chanukiah in your home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Candles
• Chanukiah

Learn How to Place a Chanukiah in a Home

1. Plan to place a Chanukiah near every door of your home that leads to the outside, or at least to the street where passersby can see the light coming from it. The reason for this custom is due to the Talmud's assertion that the primary purpose of the Chanukiah is to shed illumination on the outside world, not in the home. To this end, it is forbidden to perform any activity while using the Chanukiah as a source of light.

2. Follow another traditional custom by making an effort to place a separate Chanukiah in the home for each person residing in it. Alternately, some Jewish families reserve a place for a single Chanukiah for each child and use a larger Chanukiah to represent the entire family.

3. Be aware that if you place a Chanukiah in the window of your home, the candles should appear as being lit from right to left from anyone viewing them from outside. Since the candles of the Chanukiah are normally lit in this order to begin with, making this view possible can be problematic. However, it is acceptable to kindle the Chanukiah and then turn it around in the window.

4. Be mindful as you place, light and bless each candle of the Chanukiah, that the meaning of its increasing illumination is a reminder to resist all forms of tyranny and oppression. Further, according to Jewish law, it is prohibited to fast or mourn during the kindling of the Chanukiah and over the duration of Hannukah. The only exception is during times of sitting "shiva," which is when mirrors are covered, common comforts are forbidden and mourning is allowed in the event of a death in the family.

5. Remember to light each candle of the Chanukiah from the shamash, the candle placed in the center branch. The shamash, which means "guard" or "servant" also reminds us that the light of the Chanukiah is used exclusively to honor the miracle of Hannukah and for no other purpose.

Tips & Warnings

• If using real candles for the Chanukiah in your home is not practical, it is perfectly acceptable to use an electric Chanukiah instead.
• Exercise caution when using real candles to kindle your Chanukiah, especially if you place them near doors or windows. Small children, pets or drapery in close proximity may precipitate a fire hazard or risk of injury.