▷ Hanukkah Menorah How Many Candles?

The Hanukkah Menorah, a traditional Jewish symbol, is fitted with eight or nine candles. The eight-day Hanukkah celebration involves lighting one of the candles each evening until all eight are lit. Additionally, the ninth candle, the shamash or “helper” candle is also lit each night in order to light the other candles for the ceremony.

Table of Contents

1 How Many Candles Are in a Hanukkah Menorah?

How Many Candles Are in a Hanukkah Menorah?

The Hanukkah Menorah, also known as a Chanukiah in Hebrew, has nine candleholders in total. Eight of those candleholders are positioned to form a straight line and represent the eight nights of Hanukkah. The ninth candleholder, which stands slightly higher and/or to the side from the other eight holders, is known as the shamash (“helper” candle).

Explaining the 8th Night of Hanukkah

On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit and then placed at the far right of the candleholders. The candle lit on each successive night is then placed to the left of the one lit previously, until all eight candles are lit. On the eighth night of Hanukkah, all eight candles are lit simultaneously, followed by the shamash, which is used to light the other candles during the ceremony.

Requirements for a Hanukkah Menorah

According to Jewish law, the shamash must be lit differently than the other menorah candles and should be placed outside of the line of eight candles. As Hanukkah candles are lit in a specific order, each of the nine candles must be placed in its own socket, so that all candles can be placed in a straight line and lit in the proper order.

Candles Used During Hanukkah

While it is not a requirement, traditional Hanukkah candles are made of wax, and a special wick made from only cotton thread should be used. It is important that the candles only burn for 30 minutes and that the wick be extinguished. Additionally, the material used for the construction of a Hanukkah menorah should be of ceramic, brass, silver or gold.

The nine-candle Hanukkah menorah is an enduring symbol of the Jewish faith, with the candles representing the miracle of light that, according to legend, happened when the Jews were outnumbered and victorious during the Maccabean Revolt. The Hanukkah menorah signifies the continuing hope and faith of the Jewish people throughout the centuries.

Related Products:

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