A major emphasis of Chanukah is Pirsumei Nissa. Most years this would include Menorah lightings in the most public places possible, and events which promote the spirit of Chanukah. However, due to the war, it is more important to adhere to the government officials relevant for one’s country or city.
If permissible by the authorities, one should try to participate in these activities and help ensure their success, even if this requires postponing one’s personal Menorah lighting to a later hour.
The flames of the public Menorah must be no taller than twenty Amot (9.6 metres) from the ground.
The public Menorah should not be situated in a place where there is a strong possibility that it will be extinguished, e.g. by winds or vandals.
Since it is ideal for the Brachot to be recited when kindling a public Menorah, the lighting should be scheduled after Plag Hamincha, and the Menorah should have enough fuel to burn at least half-hour after Tzeit Hakochavim, just as with a personal Menorah. [Otherwise, the public Menorah should still be lit, but without the Brachot.]
The Brachot are recited when burning a liquid or solid fuel – as opposed to gas, butane, propane or electricity.
The Brachot are recited only by the one who is lighting the Menorah. [On the first night, he recites Shehecheyanu – even if he already recited it beforehand when lighting the Shul Menorah or at home.] The audience should be forewarned not to recite the Brachot along with him, but rather, just to answer Amen.
The flames should be lit without moving the lamps out of place.
Just as in Shul, one does not fulfil his obligation by attending (or lighting) a public Menorah. The participants should be made aware of this. [Even the one who kindles the public Menorah must relight at home, with the Brachot. On the first night, he does not repeat Shehecheyanu, unless he is also lighting on behalf of others who have not yet fulfilled their obligation.]
One should try to reach out to those in hospitals, old-age homes and prisons.
When the person lighting the Menorah does not know the Brachot, one may prompt him word by word, or recite the Brachot on his or her behalf. [In the latter instance, if one will still need to fulfil the Mitzvah himself at a later time, he should have in mind to be Motzeh the listeners but not himself.]
Shehecheyanu is said the first time one fulfils the Mitzvah, even if it is after the first day of Chanukah.
When visiting a hospital or old age home, one should be mindful as to whether it is a place where the Brachot may be recited. If not, the Menorah should be lit without reciting the Brachot.
Gatherings should be arranged for adults and children, especially for those not yet familiar with Chanukah. The opportunity should be utilized to rejoice with them; to teach them about Chanukah; to share words of Torah; to light the Menorah and give Tzedakah with them; and to give them Chanukah Gelt.
Where possible, these gatherings should be scheduled to allow the Menorah to be lit after Plag Hamincha, so that the Brachot will be recited. If this is not practical, the Menorah should still be lit, but without the Brachot.
When distributing doughnuts, latkes or other food, one should ensure that the appropriate Brachot are made for each food item.
