Where can I get candles and a hanukiyyah ?

Consult your local chaplain’s office, preferably a Jewish chaplain. If there is no chaplain, consult the internet for a place to purchase these supplies. Your unit/ship’s chaplain or lay leader will be able to provide you with candles and hannukiyot purchased with Gov’t funds. These are also available thru the Jewish Chaplains Council.

May I light candles on ship?

No. You are not allowed to light candles, but you are allowed to light an electric hanukiyyah. Maybe…since there are several safety considerations, you will have to work with your Chaplain and/or a Lay Leader on this. In the minimum, you might be able to light the candles in the ship’s chaplel long enough to say the blessings.

What do I do if I am standing watch/on duty at candle lighting time?

You may light candles any time after dark and up to one hour before dawn.

What do I do about lighting candles if I am in the field?

Field duty precludes lighting candles. Consult your local chaplain. Here again, the answer is “maybe”. Your unit chaplain might be able to make special arrangements to make this happen.

What special foods must I eat during Hanukkah?

There are no special foods required for Hanukkah. It is customary to eat potato pancakes (latkes). In Israel, it is the custom to eat sufganiyot (jelly donuts).

Are there any special prayers to be said on Hanukkah?

A. There are blessings to be said when lighting the candles. The Armed Forces siddur has the blessings and the words to “Maoz Tsur,” the traditional song for Hanukkah.

May I have time off to observe Hanukkah?

A. No. Hanukkah is a minor festival that is observed by the lighting of the candles, eating special foods, singing songs and playing dreidel. You should be able, however, to get time off to light the Hannukiyah.