Chanukah Unit Begins

We began our Chanukah unit today with an examination of the height restrictions related to the placement of the menorah. Using the tactics of ad execs as a backdrop, we discussed how placement of an ad is vital to getting its message across. With the menorah, the same applies - the issue of pirsum ha-nes (publicizing the Chanukah miracles) is an essential element of the mitzvah and therefore steps must be taken to ensure that the menorah's bright lights are seen by as many people as possible.

We studied the varying levels of kiyum ha-mitzvah (fulfilling the mitzvah) and discussed real-life applications of these laws.

Issues to consider:

• What if someone lives in an apartment complex that is situation higher than the maximum height requirements?
• What if no one is home to see the menorah at the time that it is lit?
• Why is it so important that people see the lights?

For homework, students will identify five locations in their homes to light the menorah, take measurements (in inches and corresponding tefachim), and determine the desirability of lighting in each of these locations based on what we've studied.