subject: For A Great Hanukkah Holiday Candle Lighting Safety Is First [print this page] Safety for the holidays is an essential element for your family, if you want your special Hanukkah holiday week to be enjoyable and fun. But instead of focusing on the "don'ts," just focus on the "dos," to lift the stigma of the strict rules. Kids especially feel this pressure during the holidays, when they hear "don't do this," and "don't do that." We are already aware of the message we are trying to send. But they feel it is pressure being put on the holidays, aiming to ruin their enjoyment. So, keep it light. This way they won't even know they're following any rules.
During the holy week of Hanukkah, eight candles are lit to symbolize various aspects of this Jewish holiday. The lighting of each candle, which takes place at a certain time of the day for eight days, is accompanied by prayer and reflection. This ceremonial lighting is a re-dedication of the Jewish Temple as it was celebrated after a revolt by the Jews against the monarchy of Seleucid. As the story has been told over the centuries, oil for their menorah was searched for in hopes of lighting it for just one night. But the tale goes on to tell that this very small supply of olive oil lit these candles for a surprising total of eight days, and it was truly a celebration indeed.
The menorah holds nine candles, the center one being the one in the candelabra to light the other eight. This special center candle is called the "shamash." Safety is actually built into the lighting of the other candles by using this one, the one in the tallest position.
Being in the tallest position, it prevents children from reaching for this candle. But to be sure, the menorah, as with any candle, should be kept out of the reach of small children. Also, as the candles are being lit, one day after the other, it is best to take care that sleeves, scarves, and hats are far away from the open flames of these candles. One can never be too careful, when it comes to fire, even if the flame is as small at the flame of a candle.
