Send this to a friend 2. The Observance of Hanukkah Hanukkah begins on the eve of the twenty-fifth day of Kislew and lasts eight days.
Work is permitted during the eight days, but all signs of sadness are to be avoided.
If candles are used, wax candles are preferred. In addition to the reasons cited in these sources, it should be noted that the use of candles or oil has great esthetic appeal and more sentimental meaning. The first candle is placed on the right side of the Menorah. In addition to the candles that are lit for each day, there is a special candle known as the shamash . The Torah is read every morning and three people are called to the reading.