What do they do on Hanukkah?

Answer 1

Candles are lit each evening, one on the first evening, two on the second, three on the third (etc.), in a special eight branched candlestick called a "menorah" or a "chanukiah." The candle-lighting symbolizes the miracle when a small amount of oil was found in the Temple, just enough to light a lamp for one day, but it lit the lamp for eight days. It is also customary to eat foods fried in oil on Hanukkah, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts. Nowadays many people also give presents, although there is no religious basis to that (except for the "gelt coins given to children, which is an established custom).

Working is not forbidden during Hanukkah, though there is a custom to avoid work during the first half-hour after lighting the candles.

Answer 2

There aren't many guidelines on celebrating Hanukkah other than, at (or after) sundown, the menorah is lit and the blessings are recited. In the synagogue also, certain prayers are added to the daily services. Hanukkah is about celebrating and giving thanks to G-d for the miracle of one day's worth of oil lasting eight days. Usually food made with oil is served at celebrations. Latkes are usually associated with the holiday. People eat, talk and exchange gifts.

Answer 3

Family and friends will visit with each other, and some families will get together for a nice meal. Children play with dreidels. Fried and dairy foods are traditionally eaten. Some (non-Orthodox) families exchange gifts.

In the synagogue, a portion of the Torah (from Numbers ch.7) is read each morning, and a prayers of praise (Hallel and Al Hanisim) is added to the daily prayers.

In the home, the Hanukkah candelabrum is lit each evening; and the Al Hanisim prayer is added to the Grace after Meals.

Answer 4

See also the attached Related Link.

During Hanukkah, Jews light the Hanukkah-menorah (which is a multi-branched candle holder) each night, singing, and eating traditional foods such as latkes and jelly donuts. Chocolate coins (and/or gifts of money), called "Hanukkah gelt," are given to one's children.

One candle is lit on the first night, with an additional candle added until all 8 candles are lit on the eighth night. A helper-candle, used to light the others, is added each night. During the candlelighting, 2 blessings are sung (3 on the first night), and often other songs are song after they are lit.

In more detail:

• At nightfall one candle is added each night, starting from the right and going to the left. Then the candles are lit from the newest one on the left and then one by one to the right. This is done every day; thus on the 8th day 8 candles are lit, plus the helper-candle (shamash).
• People light their menorah every night at or after sundown
• Special Hanukkah additions are added to the daily prayers:
• Al-hanisim (regarding the miracles) in grace after meals and in the thrice daily Amidah-prayer
• Hallel - the Thanksgiving psalms during morning prayers
• Special Torah reading

A popular Hanukkah game is "dreidel" - a four sided top.

Dairy products are customary, as are latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (donuts).

Answer 5

Hanukkah is celebrated:

• by lighting the menorah with olive oil or candles, and saying the blessings
  
• by singing the traditional songs
  
• with the requisite special prayers and Torah-reading added in the daily synagogue services
  
• by having fried foods such as jelly donuts or potato pancakes
  
• by playing the traditional game with the dreidel
  
• by giving Hanukkah-gelt (coins) to one's children.
  

See also:

More about Hanukkah

Answer 6

On Hanukkah we light candles in the Hanukkah-menorah each night and we spend time with our family.You can open presents but that is not traditional.

Answer 7

They light the Hanukkah Menorah, a special candelabrum, Special prayers are said.