Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday observed for eight days and eight nights. One of the most recognizable features of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, a nine-arm candelabra. As the holiday celebrates the miracle of an eight-day supply of oil burning for eight full nights, the menorah candles are lit for the duration of the holiday. But what exactly is the time period for lighting the Hanukkah candles?
The main feature of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah. According to the Jewish observance, the eighth candle of the menorah is lit for the entire eight days and nights of the holiday. This is done in the evening of every day and in the morning of the first day.
The tradition is to light the menorah candle from an already burning flame either through a match or a special long-handled candle lighter called a shamesh. The shamash is traditionally placed in the center of the candle holders and is used to light the other candles.
On the first day of the holiday, the candles of the menorah are lit while reciting blessing prayers in which the faithful thank God for giving them the right to observe the holiday. On the remaining seven days of the holiday, the candles are lit later in the evening and earlier in the morning.
Each night of Hanukkah, the shamash candle is used to light each of the eight candles around it, starting with the one farthest to its right. After all the candles are lit, the blessing is repeated. When the candles burn out, they are not usually replaced.
Throughout the eight days of Hanukkah, the candles should be lit after sundown and at the same time each evening, generally between 7 and 8 pm. They should burn for at least one-half an hour after nightfall, so that the members of the household are able to enjoy the candlelight. Then, on the first day of the holiday, the candles should be lit before the morning service.
Finally, in some cases, the candles of the menorah are lit in the temple. In this case, the menorah must be lit before the fourth hour, or 10 am.
In summary, during the eight days and nights of Hanukkah, the candles of the menorah are lit in the evening and in the morning of the first day. The lights should be lit just after sundown on each night of Hanukkah and must remain lit for at least one-half an hour. On the first day of the holiday, the candles should be lit before the morning service. In some cases, the candles of the menorah are lit in the temple and must be lit before the fourth hour or 10 am.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.