Q&A for How to Celebrate Hanukkah

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  • Question
    Is Hanukkah celebrated in the summer if you live in the Southern Hemisphere?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Hanukkah is held on the 25th day of Kislev, and continues for 8 days. It doesn't depend on where you live.
  • Question
    What do people have to play with?
    Community Answer
    Do you mean dreidels? They're small spinning top-like toys where the winner often gets chocolate coins.
  • Question
    What should I do if candles burn out during Hanukkah?
    Community Answer
    Nothing. It's no big deal. But if you're worried about it, close all windows near the candles and leave the fan or air conditioning off. Don't let small children run near them. The idea is to let them burn to show how our ancestors found the oil in the temple as a miracle and blessing.
  • Question
    Do people who celebrate Hanukkah get disturbed by all the Christmas decorations?
    Community Answer
    No, they understand that people like to celebrate their religion. Most of the Jewish holidays are not elaborately decorated: it's just not part of what Jews do, but they don't mind that Christians celebrate differently.
  • Question
    Where do people go to celebrate Hanukkah?
    Community Answer
    They stay at home, or go to another's home. Some synagogues/temples host an event.
  • Question
    Can I use my phone during Hanukkah?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It's a fun holiday, remembering how God saved our people. It's not the Sabbath.
  • Question
    Is there a certain day of Hanukkah when a traditional meal is eaten?
    Community Answer
    Not really, but there are traditional snacks, such as fried latkes and donuts.
  • Question
    Can I celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah even if I don't believe in God, like if I just love the winter holidays?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can do whatever you want. You can keep kosher if you aren't even Jewish. It's not forbidden.
  • Question
    Do Jewish people utilize private event staff, such as servers or bartenders?
    Community Answer
    I suppose some do, especially if they are hosting a large Hanukkah event.
  • Question
    Is it the custom for one to leave the Menorah lit after the eight days of Chanukah is over ?
    Community Answer
    If you're using standard Chanukah candles, the flame only stays lit for about 30 minutes, so there is no need to keep the Menorah lit. Just light the candles when you're supposed to and leave them to burn out on their own.
  • Question
    I'm a Christian and I want to give my Jewish friend a gift. What date should I give it to him, and what colors should it be wrapped in?
    Community Answer
    Hanukkah falls at different times in December depending on how the Jewish calendar lines up with the Gregorian calendar. In 2016, it is from December 24 through January 1. The Hanukkah colors are blue and white.
  • Question
    Is work allowed during Hanukkah?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    How do I celebrate Hanukkah if I'm a gentile?
    Community Answer
    Remember Jewish history is Jesus' history and the foundation of the New Testament. Although Hanukkah is just historical and not recorded Biblically, it is a good foundation of God's love and care. The Helper candle might even be a reminder of the promised Messiah.
  • Question
    I am confused, why does the Hanukkiah have 9 candles?
    Community Answer
    The highest candle, the Shamash, is used to light the others, and is not included in the count.
  • Question
    What kinds of gifts should I give for Hanukkah?
    Community Answer
    Usually smaller, yet still loving and useful, gifts for the first seven days and on the final day a larger or more expensive gift. Charitable donations or religious articles can also be good gift ideas.
  • Question
    As a Christian, may I celebrate Hanukkah by doing these traditions?
    Community Answer
    Of course you could, but it would be easier and perhaps more meaningful to visit Jewish friends and share in their celebrations.
  • Question
    Does this go on during Christmas? If not, what do Jewish people do at Christmas?
    Community Answer
    No, it actually starts near the beginning of the month. During Christmas, Jewish families normally stay at home, and just spend time together.
  • Question
    Why do they celebrate this festival?
    Community Answer
    A menorah, which was lit once with barely any oil, lasted for 8 days.
  • Question
    Exactly how many candles are lit by someone celebrating Hanukkah?
    Community Answer
    A Rabbi told me it was 7 for the theological time of the creation of the world, according to the Torah.
  • Question
    During Hanukkah, do the candles have to stay on while we're sleeping?
    Community Answer
    According to the Torah, yes; however, most do not due to the safety hazard posed.
  • Question
    When do I give a present to a Jewish friend?
    Community Answer
    You can give your Jewish friend their gift on any day of Hanukkah, or even just before or after Hanukkah if you won't be seeing them on the actual days.
  • Question
    What ingredients do I need for latkas?
    Community Answer
    Most traditional recipes call for potatoes, onions, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and pepper, and lots and lots of oil.
  • Question
    Where can I buy a dreidel?
    Community Answer
    You can likely find one at any major retail store around Hanukkah, but if you're not successful there, you can find plenty of them online using sites like Amazon.
  • Question
    When is the holiday?
    Community Answer
    For this year, it begins on Tuesday, December 12 and ends on Wednesday, December 20, 2017.
  • Question
    On the first Hanukkah, did the Jews light all the branches of the Menorah or only one?
    Community Answer
    There was only enough oil to light one candle, and with God's help, it turned out to be enough for all 8 nights.
  • Question
    Do I light candles on January 1st?
    Community Answer
    If Hanukkah falls on January 1st, then candles are lit. The Jewish holidays aren't dependent on the Gregorian calendar.
  • Question
    Can a Jew celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can celebrate whatever you would like to celebrate. You can ask your parents or friends or extended family to celebrate with you.
  • Question
    What are Kosher foods?
    Community Answer
    Kosher, literally meaning “clean” or “pure," refers to food that has been ritually prepared or blessed so it can be eaten by religious Jews. It comes from the Hebrew word, "kasher," meaning "proper" or "lawful," and became common in English in the mid-19th Century.
  • Question
    Is it okay to use an electronic menorah?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is perfectly fine.
  • Question
    Do I have to be Jewish to celebrate Hannukah?
    Community Answer
    No, anyone can celebrate Hanukkah, as long as they're doing so respectfully.
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