Hanukkah is a time to celebrate light. One of the most critical aspects of this holiday is the Menorah; a candelabrum lit each night of Hanukkah. Here are some tips on lighting candles at Hanukkah-the right way!
The candles should be placed from right to left but lit from left to right. On the first night of Hanukkah, we light one candle. On the second night, light two candles. This continues until the eighth night, when all nine candles are lit.
This article will guide you through the process of lighting candles during Hanukkah, including tips on choosing the right type of candle and how to place them in the Menorah.
What is Hanukkah, and why do we celebrate it?
Hanukkah is a holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is also known as the Festival of Lights and is eight nights long. Hanukkah is a joyous holiday where we celebrate by eating fried foods, playing games, and giving gifts. One of the most critical aspects of Hanukkah is the Menorah.
Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and typically falls in December. The holiday celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees defeated the Greeks in 165 BCE.
The word “Hanukkah” comes from the Hebrew verb “חנך,” which means “to dedicate.” Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, and one of the most significant symbols of the holiday is the Menorah. The Menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum that is lit each night of Hanukkah.
The Menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum that is lit each night of Hanukkah. The Menorah is a symbol of hope and freedom. Each night, we add one more candle to the Menorah until all eight candles are lit. The ninth candle, called the shamash, is used to light the other candles.
What do the candles of Hanukkah mean?
Hanukkah is a holiday that celebrates the defeat of the Syrian Greeks. The Syrian-Greeks tried to stop the Jews from practicing their religion and believing in one God. They forced the Jews to start worshipping Greek gods instead.
The Jewish people rebelled and could drive the Syrian Greeks out of Jerusalem. They rededicated the Holy Temple and wanted to light the Menorah, but there was only enough oil for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days until more oil could be brought. This is why Hanukkah is eight nights long- to celebrate the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.
The history of the Menorah
The Menorah is a candelabrum with nine branches that symbolizes the miracle that occurred during the Hanukkah story when a small amount of oil lasted eight nights.
The Menorah has been used since ancient times. The first mention of the Menorah is in the Bible, in the book of Exodus, chapter 25. In the Temple was a golden Menorah seven feet tall and weighing 100 pounds. It was lit every day and kept burning throughout the night.
The Menorah is also a symbol of the State of Israel. The modern State of Israel was founded in 1948, and the Menorah is Israel’s official state emblem. This Menorah, however, has only seven branches that represent protection, wisdom, and life.
Hold up a minute. If you are interested in learning more about candles during religious events and mourning. We encourage you to take a look at our article about why we light candles for the dead during Yom Kippur.
How to light the Menorah
On each night of Hanukkah, we light the Menorah, a candelabrum with nine branches. The Menorah symbolized the miracle during the Hanukkah story when a small amount of oil lasted eight nights when it should have only lasted one.
When lighting the Menorah, there are a few things to remember. First, use a new candle each night. Second, light the candles from left to right. Third, say the blessing: “Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.”
Tips to light the Menorah
- Use a new Shamash each night. The shamash should be placed in the centre of the Menorah.
- Light the Shamash first. Then, use the shamash to light the other candles each night.
- Recite the blessings before lighting the candles. The blessings can be found in most prayer books or online.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you use a Menorah with electric lights.
On the first night of Hanukkah, we light one candle. On the second night, we lit two candles. This continues until the eighth night, when all nine candles are lit.
You are required to replace lit candles with new ones every night. This means that through the eight nights of Hanukkah, you will need a total of 44 candles. So your placement will be as follows:
Night 1: 2 candles (Shamash + right-most candle).
Night 2: 3 candles.
Night 3: 4 candles.
Night 4: 5 candles.
Night 5: 6 candles.
Night 6: 7 candles.
Night 7: 8 candles.
Night 8: 9 candles.
The candles should be placed from right to left but lit from left to right. On the first night of Hanukkah, we light one candle. On the second night, light two candles. This continues until the eighth night, when all nine candles are lit.
Hanukkah provides a time to celebrate the miracle of light. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Hanukkah celebration is perfect!
What candles should you use for Hanukkah?
When selecting candles for your Menorah, choosing ones that will burn steadily and evenly is essential. The best option is to use beeswax or paraffin-based candles. Avoid using scented candles, as the scent can be overwhelming when all of the candles are lit.
To ensure that your candles burn evenly, it is essential to trim the wicks before each lighting. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the wicks to about 1/4 inch. This will help prevent the candles from smoking and dripping.
When lighting the shamash, use a long-handled lighter or match to reach the wick easily. From here, use the shamash to burn the remaining candles. Hold the flame to each wick for a few seconds before moving on to the next.
Be sure to place the Menorah safely away from flammable materials such as curtains or tablecloths. It is also essential to keep an eye on the Menorah, especially if you have small children in the home.
How long do Hanukkah candles burn?
Hanukkah candles should burn for at least 30 minutes. Ensure that the Menorah stays lit for a minimum of 30 minutes. If you are using electric lights, you can set them to turn off after 30 minutes. This will save you from having to blow out the candles each night. A standard taper candle will last far longer than the 30 minutes required.
Which direction to light Hanukkah Candles?
When lighting the Menorah, you should start from the left and light the candles with the Shamash (the centremost candle). Although the candles are lit from left to right, it is essential to place the candles from right to left. One must be placed each night, and each candle must be new.
How many candles are lit for Hanukkah?
On the first night of Hanukkah, we light one candle. On the second night, two candles are lit, and this continues until the eighth night, when all nine candles are lit. The nine candles include the eight candles that signify the eight nights of Hanukkah and the Shamash (the centremost candle used to light the other candles).
What is the blessing of lighting Hanukkah candles?
There are three blessings when lighting the candles of Hanukkah. Before lighting the candles, all three blessings are recited on the first night of Hanukkah. On the remaining nights of Hanukkah, the first two blessings are recited.
Hanukkah Blessing 1:
“Baruch ata Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha’olam, Asher kid’shanu b’mitzvosav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Chanukah”.
Translation:
Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to Kindle the Chanukah light.
Hanukkah Blessing 2:
“Baruch ata Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha’olam, She’asah nisim la’avoseinu, bayamim ha’hem baz’man hazeh”.
Translation:
Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who has wrought miracles for our forefathers in those days this season.
Hanukkah Blessing 3:
“Baruch ata Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha’olam, She’hecheyanu, vekiyemanu vehigi’anu laz’man hazeh”.
Translation:
Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
Tips for celebrating Hanukkah with your family
Hanukkah is a particular time to celebrate light and miracles. Here are some tips for celebrating Hanukkah with your family:
1. Light the Menorah together each night. This is a great way to teach your children about the holiday and its meaning.
2. Make Hanukkah crafts together. There are many Hanukkah-themed crafts that you can do with your children.
3. Play Hanukkah games together. There are many fun Hanukkah games that the whole family can enjoy.
4. Eat traditional Hanukkah foods together. The most popular Hanukkah foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).
5. Give Hanukkah gifts to each other. This is a great way to show your love and appreciation for your embers.
Final Thoughts
Hanukkah is a particular time to celebrate light and miracles. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Hanukkah celebration is perfect!
