▷ Hanukkah Which Way To Light The Candles?

Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, and the lighting of candles is an important part of the celebration. Lighting of the Hanukkah candles is done each evening of the eight-day holiday in a prescribed manner. This article will explain the rituals and meanings behind the Hanukkah lights, and will give you a step-by-step guide on the right way to light the candles.

Table of Contents

1 Rituals and Meanings

Rituals and Meanings

The rituals associated with the Hanukkah lights have two main meanings. The first is to remember the miracle of a small flask of oil, which lasted for eight days, allowing the temple in Jerusalem to be lit despite a shortage of fuel. The second is to commemorate the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek-Syrians. During Hanukkah, each night a candle is lit on a special nine-branched candelabrum (menorah) and blessings are said.

Which Candles to Light

A traditional Hanukkah menorah is made up of nine candleholders arranged in a straight line. The center candle is called the shammash (caretaker or servant), and is used to light the other candles. The other eight candles represent each of the eight nights of the holiday.

What Order to Light the Candles

On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit on the right side of the shammash, and then increased by one candle each night. On the Sabbath, two lights are lit with the shammash, and three lights on the final night of Hanukkah. The lights are lit from left to right, with the shammash on the left side.

How to Light the Candles

A blessing is first said before the candles are lit. Then the shammash is lit, and the other candles are lit in the prescribed order. The shammash is then used to light each successive candle from right to left. After the blessings have been said, the shammash is used to light any wicks on the other candles that have gone out.

Lighting the Hanukkah candles is a meaningful and important part of the celebrations. It reminds us of the miraculous power of God in providing for the needs of His people in a difficult time. It also serves to remember how God provided for the Maccabees and enabled them to attain victory over the forces of tyranny. Following the rituals and procedures described here will help you to light the Hanukkah candles in the prescribed manner, and to participate in the joy and hope that accompanies its celebration.

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