Q&A for How to Celebrate Hanukkah

Yes. Hanukkah is held on the 25th day of Kislev, and continues for 8 days. It doesn't depend on where you live.

Do you mean dreidels? They're small spinning top-like toys where the winner often gets chocolate coins.

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.

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.

They stay at home, or go to another's home. Some synagogues/temples host an event.

Yes. It's a fun holiday, remembering how God saved our people. It's not the Sabbath.

Not really, but there are traditional snacks, such as fried latkes and donuts.

Yes. You can do whatever you want. You can keep kosher if you aren't even Jewish. It's not forbidden.

I suppose some do, especially if they are hosting a large Hanukkah event.

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.

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.

Yes.

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.

The highest candle, the Shamash, is used to light the others, and is not included in the count.

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.

Of course you could, but it would be easier and perhaps more meaningful to visit Jewish friends and share in their celebrations.

No, it actually starts near the beginning of the month. During Christmas, Jewish families normally stay at home, and just spend time together.

A menorah, which was lit once with barely any oil, lasted for 8 days.

A Rabbi told me it was 7 for the theological time of the creation of the world, according to the Torah.

According to the Torah, yes; however, most do not due to the safety hazard posed.

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.

Most traditional recipes call for potatoes, onions, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and pepper, and lots and lots of oil.

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.

For this year, it begins on Tuesday, December 12 and ends on Wednesday, December 20, 2017.

There was only enough oil to light one candle, and with God's help, it turned out to be enough for all 8 nights.

If Hanukkah falls on January 1st, then candles are lit. The Jewish holidays aren't dependent on the Gregorian calendar.

Yes, you can celebrate whatever you would like to celebrate. You can ask your parents or friends or extended family to celebrate with you.

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.

Yes, that is perfectly fine.

No, anyone can celebrate Hanukkah, as long as they're doing so respectfully.