Halachot
What is the minimum amount of oil required for each candle to fulfill the mitzvah?
Enough to burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall.
What was the official title of Antiochus who enacted the decrees against the Jews?
Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Is it permissible to light an electric menorah if no other options are available? Why or why not?
Most poskim say it is not permissible because it lacks the quality of "shemen" (oil) or "psilah" (a wick), which are essential for the mitzvah.
What is the earliest mention of the Chanukah story in Rabbinic literature?
Shabbat 21b.
What does the flame of the menorah symbolize in Kabbalistic thought?
The flame represents the soul, which strives to ascend toward God.
Is a blind person obligated to light the Chanukah candles, and if so, how?
Yes, they are obligated and can fulfill the mitzvah through a shamash or by listening to someone else’s brachot.
What specific act of desecration did the Greeks commit in the Beit HaMikdash that led to its rededication?
They offered pigs on the altar and erected an idol of Zeus.
According to some opinions, if a person lights the menorah in a public menorah display, have they fulfilled their mitzvah?
No, because such displays often lack proper placement for pirsumei nisa and are not in a home setting (bayit).
What is the Gemara’s main reason for the Chanukah celebration, and why doesn’t it emphasize the military victory?
The main reason is the miracle of the oil; the military victory is de-emphasized to focus on spiritual over physical salvation.
According to the Zohar, why is olive oil used in the menorah?
Olive oil represents wisdom (chochmah) and purity.
On Erev Shabbat, what is the correct sequence for lighting the Chanukah candles and Shabbat candles?
Chanukah candles are lit first, followed by Shabbat candles.
According to historical sources, how many years passed between the Chanukah story and the destruction of the Second Temple?
Approximately 200 years.
If a menorah is lit in a hotel lobby for guests, should a guest still light in their own room?
Yes, because the mitzvah of ner Chanukah is personal and tied to one’s place of residence, not communal areas
According to the Midrash, how did the Jewish women participate in the Chanukah miracle?
Yehudit (Judith) killed the Greek general Holofernes by seducing and decapitating him, which weakened the enemy's morale.
What does the shamash candle symbolize in Jewish mysticism?
The shamash represents divine guidance that illuminates and supports all aspects of Jewish life.
If someone lives high up in an apartment building, where should they place the menorah?
Near a window if it’s less than 20 amot (approximately 30 feet) above street level; otherwise, inside the home.
What does the term "Hasmonean" (Chashmona’im) refer to, and what is its origin?
It refers to the priestly family of Matityahu; the origin of the name is unclear but may be tied to a place called Chashmonah.
Can one recite a bracha over Chanukah candles lit by a child?
Only if the child has reached the age of chinuch (education) and understands the mitzvah; otherwise, an adult must relight or recite the bracha.
What is the significance of the number eight in the Chanukah miracle, according to the Maharal?
Eight represents the supernatural, as it transcends the natural order symbolized by seven (the days of creation).
According to Chassidic teachings, why do we celebrate Chanukah in the darkest month of the year?
It symbolizes the ability to bring light into the darkest moments of exile and challenge.
In what situation would someone light the menorah without saying any brachot?
If they are lighting in a public area for pirsumei nisa but are not fulfilling their own obligation (e.g., in a communal display).
Which Jewish holiday parallels Chanukah in its themes of fighting for spiritual independence, and why?
Purim, because both celebrate the survival of Jewish identity against a powerful external force.
If someone mistakenly lights the menorah in the wrong order (e.g., lights the new candle before the older ones), have they fulfilled their obligation?
Yes, bediavad (after the fact), they have fulfilled their obligation, but they should light in the correct order lechatchilah (ideally).
The Gemara refers to the menorah lighting as "pirsumei nisa" (publicizing the miracle). Why is this concept absent from Purim?
Purim focuses on Jewish survival within a natural framework, while Chanukah emphasizes a supernatural miracle.
The numerical value of the Hebrew word "Chanukah" (חנוכה) equals 89. What is the mystical significance of this number?
It corresponds to the word "tachanun" (supplication), emphasizing humility and reliance on divine mercy.