How can one add holiness and joy during the days of Hanukkah?

Question: Which special practices does the Ben Ish Chai recommend for the days of Hanukkah?

Answer:

The Ben Ish Chai mentions several practices.

A. Make the Shabbat Hanukkah meals more festive

The Shabbat meal of Hanukkah should be more abundant than on other Shabbatot of the year.

If Shabbat Hanukkah also falls on Rosh Chodesh, one should add even more joy and abundance to the meal.

B. Make the Rosh Chodesh Tevet meal more festive

Rosh Chodesh Tevet falls within the days of Hanukkah.

The Ben Ish Chai writes that it is proper to have an abundant meal on it in order to publicize the miracle.

C. Light a lamp in honor of Rabbi Meir Baal Haness

The Ben Ish Chai mentions a custom of lighting oil as a light on Rosh Chodesh Tevet, in honor of the soul of Rabbi Meir Baal Haness.

D. Say the full Hallel with concentration and joy

The Ben Ish Chai especially emphasizes the importance of saying Hallel on Hanukkah.

He explains that even on Pesach the full Hallel is not said on all the days of the holiday, while on Hanukkah the full Hallel is said for all eight days.

Therefore it should be said:

- With great concentration.

- With joy.

- With thanks to Hashem for the miracles and salvations.

The message: Hanukkah is not only a holiday of lighting candles, but also a holiday of thanksgiving, joy and strengthening in the service of Hashem.