Why are Hanukkah candles displayed in a visible place?

The practice of displaying the Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiyah, in a highly visible location—such as a window or a public space—is rooted in the religious imperative to "publicize the miracle" of the oil that burned for eight days in the Temple of Jerusalem.123

According to the Babylonian Talmud, it is considered important to share the story of this divine event with the community. While the menorah was originally kindled outside the home to maximize this visibility, it was moved indoors during ancient times as a precaution against danger or to avoid offending neighbors. Despite this shift, placing the lit menorah in a window remains a common tradition to ensure the miracle remains visible to those outside.132