do you have to light the menorah at Sunset or not?? also can you turn it off durning day light
2006-12-19 06:00:03 · 3 answers · asked by DANIEL H 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
Traditionally the Menorah is lit once there are 3 stars in the heavens (about 1/2 hour after sunset so it is dark since they are to dispel darkness) they should burn for at least 1/2 hour - If you have and electric menorah you can leave it on all day but it is only really visible at night. Hope this helps!
2006-12-19 06:04:51 · answer #1 · answered by Walking on Sunshine 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long should it burn? - http://www.askmoses.com/holiday_chanukah_article.html?h=486&o=19337
I just want to add that it is really preferable to use a non-electric menorah. Candles will do, oil is even better (but not a necessity).
If you use real fire you can recite the blessing on the candles.
Excerpt from: http://www.askmoses.com/holiday_chanukah_article.html?h=486&o=33441
Can I light an electric Menorah?
by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg
Having an electric Menorah in your window is a wonderful idea; it is a great way to advertise the miracle of Chanukah to all your neighbors. In one aspect it is even better than candles, because it lit all night.
But.... you haven't fulfilled the Mitzvah of lighting the menorah by lighting an electric menorah.
Many think that light bulbs and candles are quite the same; after all they both emit light. But the truth is that the menorah is not (only) about light. Lighting the Chanukah-menorah is our way of reenacting the lighting of the menorah in the Temple - and the Temple just wasn't equipped with electrical sockets!
Having an electric menorah in your window is a wonderful idea; it is a great way to advertise the miracle of Chanukah to all your neighbors... But you haven't fulfilled the mitzvah of lighting the menorah by lighting an electric menorah!
So our advice is to have two menorahs. You should make the blessings on the old-fashion menorah, and be inspired by the ageless message which the flames impart. The new-fangled one should be displayed in the window where it will hopefully inspire countless passersby to go home, light their own oil or candle menorah, and recount to their children the great miracles which G-d did on our behalf many years ago.
What is Chanuka all about? - http://www.askmoses.com/holiday_chanukah_article.html?h=485&o=172
p.s. http://www.askmoses.com is Amazing! I highly recommend it.
2006-12-21 03:23:51 · answer #2 · answered by jjdubya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ideally, the menorah should be light around sunset, near the evening meal.
The candles should be kept burning the entire time, for the whole eight days, to celebrate the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days.
2006-12-19 14:06:59 · answer #3 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋