Chapter 139 – Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)

139.1) Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) is to be celebrated as a day of rest from enemies.

139.2 ) Fasting is forbidden.

139.3) You may do all kinds of work.

139.4) All kinds of oil are valid for Hanukkah, with olive oil being the preferred kind.

139.5) Procure a candlestick worthy of the celebration, preferably one of fine metal or silver.

139.6) Each family member should light a candle each evening.

139.7) Hanukkah lights should be lit in the doorway that leads to a public thoroughfare.

139.8) Hanukkah candles should be placed between twelve and four inches off the ground.

139.9) Place lights evenly in a row.

139.10) Light Hanukkah lamps immediately after stars come out.

139.11) The order to light Hanukkah candles is specified here. (See source for details, or consult a rabbi.)

139.12) The first evening the person who lights Hanukkah candles says three benedictions.

139.13) Make sure Hanukkah candles are properly lit and placed as the act of lighting the Hanukkah lamp constitutes the precept. (See source for details, or consult a rabbi.)

139.14) Do not use the candles during the half hour that the lights must burn.

139.15) The Hanukkah lamp is lit in the synagogue and benedictions are said over it.

139.16) Women are obligated to light the Hanukkah candles.

139.17) Light the Hanukkah candles before the Sabbath candles.

139.18) On Saturday, light the Hanukkah lamp after the Havdalah is recited.

139.19) If you are out of town, light candles where you are.

139.20) Burn the oil and wicks that are left after Hanukkah.

139.21) Include Al hannissim during the eight days of Hanukkah.

139.22) Recite Hallel during the eight days of Hanukkah.

139.23) Call up three male adults each day to read the Torah.

139.24) Take two Scrolls from the Ark on a Sabbath that occurs on Hanukkah.

139.25) Take out three Scrolls if the New Moon of Tevet occurs on a Sabbath.

139.26) The New Year is the fifteenth day of Shevat.