Where are you likely to see a hanukiah?
1 Outside or inside synagogues during the eight days of Hanukah.
2 Sponsored hanukiahs donated by communities to display in shopping centres or outside prominent buildings.
3 Inside shops selling Judaica or in the shop windows.
Here's where they have been seen in previous years.
1 Jerusalem, Israel
2 USA
3 UK
Hanukiah outside Edgware station, Edgware, Middlesex, England.
Edgware is where I lived in my teenage years - at the same time as Anne Frank's father when he married for the second time and lived incognito with his second wife and step-daughter.
4 SINGAPORE
a) Hanukiah in Orchard Road, 2019.
b) Hanukiah outside synagogue in Waterloo Street.
DIY HANUKAH AT HOME
You light one candle each day, one on day one, two on day two, until the 8th on day eight. he candles are small and burn only a few hours so you can light them at dusk and go to bed without leaving candles burning, which keeps your house safer.
On Amazon I found two hanukiah sets. I started by looking at the cheaper one, 20 dollars. That had a small hanukiah, 44 candles, in white. Best value if you just want to token.
However, I must preferred the other set. Larger menorah, 9 inches. And 45 different colour candles. Plus four dreidels, spinning tops, providing a game for children, or adults who like games, and the explanatory booklet.
For more safety, and not having to buy candles each year, you could go for an electric menorah or hanukiah.
If you invite somebody Jewish to stay they might bring their own hanukiah and say a blessing each night. Here is one to give you an idea what they are saying:
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
Dates for 2020 are December 10th to 18th. the festival follows the lunar calendar and dates next each will be different.
If you cannot afford the time and money to buy a hanukiah, you can make your own. This is a popular activity for children in synagogues where each child makes a hanukiah from wood or clay. You can buy a single kit or sets of several for a class at a school or synagogue.
If you charge each parent and child in advance you can calculate the numbers, and supply a drink and cake, you can either make a small profit, or subsidise the event and make only a small loss.
I attended one such event at a synagogue. Such events were afternoon parties held for families before the sabbath, and before all festivals, probably by Chabad which is outreach attempting to attract or maintain interest. (The same 'outreach' is done by other religious groups as well as Jewish groups. Amongst Christians the word missionary has been replaced by outreach.) Parents with two or three children took home one kit and left the other behind and as a mere observer - I happened on the event by chance, I was given half-painted leftover item from the event.
Menorahs
Outside the Knesset (Parliament building) in Jerusalem is the Menorah (seven branches). After hanukah is over you can still enjoy using and learning about the similar looking menorah.
Need a gift for yourself, your family, or others? Most Jewish museums have items with menorah themes such as pottery, clothing, ornaments or jewellery. You can also find numerous items on the internet.
Useful Websites
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wooden-Dreidels-Unfinished-Perfect-Hanukkah/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Traditional-Electric-Silver-Hanukkah-Menorah/
https://www.amazon.sg/Complete-Hanukkah-Menorah-Set-Comprehensive/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Traditional-Electric-Silver-Hanukkah-Menorah
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Colorful-Chanukah-Candles-Standard-Menorahs/
Play set for a child
amazon.sg/KidKraft-Chanuka-Set-22-Pcs/dp/B001DW55NG/
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Variuos-religion-wooden-earrings-kit-cross-pentagram-om-star-of-David
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silver-Plated-7-Israel-Hanukkah-Candle-Holder-Mini-Hanukia-Jewish-Judaica
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chanukah-Menorah-cookie-and-fondant-cutter-US-SELLER/
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plastic-Bendable-Chocolate-Mold-Dreidel-Menorah-9-Cavities/
About the Author
Angela Lansbury is a travel writer and photographer, author and speaker, fashionista. Please share links to your favourite posts or one or more of the blogs
travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com
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