There are some significant differences in the halakhot of Hanoukah between Sephardim and Ashkenazim, and it is very important for all of us to keep our minhagim clear and consistent--especially when a lot of Sephardic traditions are no longer followed simply because of the ignorance of those in the society in how to follow these traditions.
These are some very important halakhot for Hanoukah, passed down through the generations and carefully recorded by one of the most caring and careful Sephardic scholars of our time, Mr. Joseph Mosseri.
He has also carefully delineated between Sephardi and Ashkenazi traditions, and clarified the customs for Sephardim.
If you need to find out the specific way to light the Hanoukah (not the Hannukiah, Mr. Mosseri points out), which prayers we say and how we say them, then there are instructions below.
If you want to know under which source we base our traditions, Mr. Mosseri has also included that information.
Hanoukah Tov!
M
-----Sephardic Halakhot for the Hagim Festivals
Some customs for the holiday of Hanoukah
By Joseph Mosseri
1) The custom in Egypt was not to say Sidouq HaDin all 8 days of Hanoukah.
2) The custom amongst all Middle Eastern and North African Jewish communities is to only use pure olive oil for the Hanoukah lights. The reason being that this is considered to be the best way to fulfill the commandment and because the holiday miracle occurred through olive oil.
