Chanukah Preparation & Safety

Clean wax residue from previous year. Check that all candle holders are intact. If using oil cups, verify they're in good condition and wicks are available.

Ideal placement: windowsill facing the street (pirsumei nisa). In Jerusalem apartments, the common custom is to light at the entrance/doorway on the left side opposite the mezuzah. Ensure the spot is completely out of Ezra's reach.

Use a metal tray, aluminum foil, or glass plate underneath. Protect windowsills and surfaces from heat and dripping wax or oil.

Critical safety measure with a mobile baby/toddler. The menorah must burn for at least 30 minutes after lighting. Block access to the area completely during and after lighting.

Need 44 candles total for all 8 nights (plus shamash each night). Israeli custom favors olive oil — available in Chanukah lighting kits at any Jerusalem supermarket or Judaica shop.

Assign a supervising adult whenever the menorah is burning. If both parents need to leave the room, take Ezra with you.

Toddlers are drawn to these items. Store all fire-related supplies well out of reach, ideally in a latched cabinet.

Keep a small fire extinguisher accessible in the lighting area. Never use water on an oil fire — baking soda or a fire blanket is safer for oil menorahs.

Ensure the chanukiah is on a level surface and won't tip. Oil cups should be secure. Wind from open windows can cause flare-ups — close nearby windows or use glass wind guards.

After candles burn out, check for any smoldering wicks or residual heat. Clean spilled wax or oil immediately to prevent Ezra from touching it the next day.

Jerusalem bakeries go all out for Chanukah — Roladin, Marzipan, Kadosh, and neighborhood bakeries offer dozens of flavors. Or make homemade: yeast dough, deep-fried, filled with jam.

Classic potato latkes: grated potato and onion, egg, salt, fried in oil. Prepare toppings: sour cream, applesauce. Make a small batch of baby-friendly baked latkes for Ezra (less oil).

Deep frying requires caution with a baby in the home. Use a deep pot to minimize splatter. Keep Ezra away from the stove area entirely during frying. Have a splatter guard ready.

Soft baked latkes (not fried), small pieces of plain sufganiya without filling, or applesauce. Avoid hard or sticky foods that pose choking risks.

Israeli tradition is Chanukah gelt (coins or chocolate coins). One meaningful gift plus small items or activities for each night. Age-appropriate toys and books for Ezra.

Maoz Tzur, Chanukah Oh Chanukah, Sevivon Sov Sov Sov. Spin a dreidel (sevivon) together. Simple crafts: handprint menorah, decorating a paper chanukiah.

Giant menorah lightings at the Kotel, Mamilla, and city center. Neighborhood events with music and donuts. Jerusalem municipality organizes public celebrations throughout the city.

Plan at least one group candle-lighting party. Potluck style with different families bringing different fried foods. Dreidel games with gelt for the kids.

Remove all wax residue with hot water or wax removal solution. For silver menorahs, polish before storing. Empty and clean oil cups.

Oil and wax used for the mitzvah should not be used for mundane purposes. Traditional approach: burn remaining oil/wicks. Store unused supplies for next year.

Take down baby gates around the menorah area. Do a final check for any small wax drips or oil spots at floor level where Ezra crawls or walks.