▷ Hanukkah Candles How Many?

The celebration of Hanukkah has been a traditional tradition of the Jewish people for centuries. One of the most recognizable symbols of this joyous holiday is the beautiful bright lights of the Hanukkah menorah. Every night during Hanukkah, the menorah is lit to commemorate the ancient miracle of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. At the center of the menorah are nine branches of candleholders, each known as a shamash. But how many candles are lit for Hanukkah?

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1 How Many Candles are Lit for Hanukkah?

How Many Candles are Lit for Hanukkah?

On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit on the menorah. Then, on each of the next seven nights, one additional candle is lit, with all of the candles burning on the eighth night. This is done to symbolize the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Temple. The shamash, or helper candle, is used to light the other candles and is also lit on each of the eight nights.

Lighting the Menorah Every Night

The menorah is lit every night with an increasing number of candles, beginning with one candle on the first night. Each night, the shamash is used to light the candle to its right, starting with the second candle. The process is repeated until all of the candles are lit.

Different Customary Procedures

Though the Jewish laws pertaining to the number of candles lit on Hanukkah are quite specific, there are some accepted customs that vary from community to community. For instance, some sub-groups of Hasidic Jews light two candles on the first night instead of one, adhering to the traditional custom of their specific community. Additionally, some Sephardic Jews light their menorahs from right to left while Anashim, members of the Chabad-Lubavitch organization, light from left to right.

The Blessing Over the Candles

Every night before lighting the menorah, the following blessings are recited: Baruch Atah Adonay for lighting the candles; Shehechyanu for thanking God for granting us life and sustenance; and Ha’Nerot HaLalu for thanking God for the mitzvah and miracle of Hanukkah. After lighting each candle, it is traditional to sing songs of praise such as Maoz Tzur, which is about the Jewish people’s deliverance from their persecution.

In conclusion, the number of candles lit each night during the Hanukkah holiday is an important part of the celebration. One candle is lit on the first night, followed by one additional candle each night up to the eight night in order to remember the miracle of the oil. Though Hanukkah traditions may vary slightly from group to group, each Jewish community has a specific way of celebrating the holiday that includes blessings over the candles before they are lit.

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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.