How high should the hanukkiah be placed?

Question: May the hanukkiah be placed on the floor or in a very high place?

Answer:

The Ben Ish Chai gives several rules:

1. The hanukkiah should be placed more than three tefachim (handbreadths) above the ground.

2. Ideally, the mitzvah is for it to be lower than ten tefachim.

3. According to Kabbalah, it is good to place it slightly above seven tefachim.

4. If he placed it above ten tefachim, after the fact he has fulfilled his obligation.

5. If he placed it higher than twenty amot (cubits), he has not fulfilled his obligation.

Why is the height important?

One reason is that the Hanukkah candles must be noticeable, in order to publicize the miracle.

The more suitable the place of the candles is for the mitzvah, the more they attract attention and recall the miracle of Hanukkah.