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FAQs
We don't claim to be all-knowing - but some of what we do know about Chanukah is pretty enlightening.
Q. Where does the word "Chanukah" come from?
A. The derivation of the name "Chanukah" has been interpreted in many ways. Some say it comes from the Hebrew word for "dedication" and it marks the re-dedication of the Temple after it was desecrated by Atiochus IV.
Others say that the name can be broken down into the letters forming the Hebrew word for "encampment" and the Hebrew letters which stand for the 25th day of Kislev, the day the holiday begins. This interpretation tells us that the Jews were in their camp, resting from the fighting, on the 25th day of Kislev.
Another interesting interpretation is that "Chanukah" is the Hebrew acronym for a phrase meaning "eight candles as determined by the House of Hillel." This refers to a disagreement between two rabbinic schools of thought - Hillel and The House of Shammai - on how to light the Chaukah candles. Shammai said that all eight candles should be lit on the first night of the holiday, reducing the number of candles lit each night by one. However, Hillel argued the opposite - that one candle should be added each night. Clearly Hillel's argument won as that is the way we light candles today.
Q. What is the origin of the Menorah?
A. Much of it remains conjecture. One theory has it that God revealed its design to Moses. Another has it that "moriah" plant, which typically has seven branches and resembles a menorah, was the inspiration for the design.
Yet another theory is based on what is known about ancient Hebrew cosmology. According to this theory, the seven branches of the Menorah represent the seven heavenly bodies known at the time--the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
Q. What does the Menorah symbolize?
A. This is the story we have been taught since we were children. According to the Talmud, after the desecration of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, there was only enough consecrated olive oil left to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which provided enough time to get new oil and finish rebuilding the Temple.
The eight side branches represent the eight-day celebration of the miracle of oil, while the central branch or "Shamash," is used to light the others.
Q. What is the proper order for lighting the candles?
A. Although Chanukah candles are placed in the Menorah from right to left, they are lit from left to right. The candle added for the current night is always lit first.
Q. Why is the Shamash candle placed above the other candles?
A. It is known as the "service" candle because it serves the other candles by lighting them. Its elevation above the other candles is the reward that comes from doing for others.
Q. Why do we eat latkes on Chanukah?
A. It is traditional to eat fried foods on the holiday because of the significant role oil plays in the story of Chanukah.
Read more about Chanukah at Wikipedia.