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Step 1
Find a public menorah lighting to attend in your area. Synagogues and Jewish Community Centers will often have a listing of Hanukkah events, as will the community events section of the local newspaper.
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Step 2
Be sensitive to the fact that not all synagogues sanction public menorah displays and lightings. The Union of Reform Judaism, for example, opposes displaying menorahs on public property on the basis that it violates the principle of separation of church and state.
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Step 3
Learn the words to the Hanukkah blessings, either in Hebrew or English. The prayers are usually sung or recited in Hebrew and thank God for the gift of light and the miracle of Hanukkah. Since one of the goals of public menorah lightings is to bring the entire secular community together, the English translation of the blessings will most likely be recited as well.
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Step 4
Arrive prior to sundown. Though Jewish law allows for the menorah to be lit as long as there are people around to see the light of the candles, they are traditionally kindled just after sunset. The lights must remain lit for at least 30 minutes and candles should be left to burn out on their own.
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Step 5
Familiarize yourself with some of the songs associated with menorah lightings. There are two in particular, "Rock of Ages" and "These Candles," that are commonly sung after the menorah is lit. "Rock of Ages" is a hauntingly melodic song enumerating Jewish victories throughout history. "These Candles" is song of reminders telling why the Hanukkah candles are lit and that they are only to be admired, not to be used for as light by which to do household chores.
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Step 6
Visit the Chabad website (see Resources below) to view an extensive searchable database of Hanukkah events to attend, including public menorah lightings. The database has information for over 650 cities in more than 40 countries.
