Hanukkah, a Jewish festival of happiness, prayer, and dedication, is traditionally celebrated over an eight-day period. As part of this celebration, a nine-branched candelabrum known as a menorah is lit each night with a special nine-ended candle called a shamash. Across each of the nights of Hanukkah, a different candle is lit until all eight of the candles in the menorah are lit. So the question remains – how many candles are in Hanukkah?
The answer is simple, each Hanukkah menorah has 8 candles plus the shamash which totals to 9 candles. On the first night, the shamash is used to light the first candle and this candle is placed on the far left side of the menorah. Each night a new candle is added moving from left to right until all 8 candles are lit. Both ends of the menorah are used when placing the candles – the shamash is used to light the first candle, and the last candle is lit by sweeping from the right side of the menorah.
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What is a Shamash?
The Shamash is a special candle, usually made of beeswax, and is kept separate from the other 8 candles in the menorah. It is used to ignite the others each night and the same candle is used throughout the entire 8 days of Hanukkah. During the ritual of lighting the menorah, usually recited alongside is a prayer thanking God for the Hanukkah miracle.
History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated to mark the ancient miracle of rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. After the Jews of Israel had been persecuted and forced to worship other gods, many rose up in revolt and retake the Temple. In the days to come, the same rights and freedoms which they had wished to reclaim were once again theirs. To celebrate this victory, as the Jewish people were unable to find enough pure oil to light a flame in the Temple, they lit a single flame with only enough oil to last a single day – which miraculously lasted for eight days! And so it was from this miracle that the holiday of Hanukkah was born.
What Do The Candles Represent?
Each candle placed in the Hanukkah menorah is there to symbolise a different aspect of the holiday. The 8 candles represent the 8 days of Hanukkah which signify the miracle of the rededication of the temple. The shamash which lights the other 8 candles is said to represent the spirit of the holiday, reminding us all that with faith, courage and dedication – miracles can be worked.
What Is Used To Light The Candles?
The Hanukkah candles are lit using a special Hanukkah lighter called a ‘Hanukiah’. This is a type of lighter designed specifically for the holiday, made in a variety of different designs and colours. In some cases, a piece of wood may also be used to light the candles if the Hanukiah is not available.
Hanukkah is a joyous occasion for many Jews, lighting up the darkness of winter with its 8 days of celebration and light. The answer to the question of ‘how many candles are in Hanukkah?’ is a simple one – 8 candles plus the shamash. Lighting the Hanukkah menorah each day of the holiday symbolizes religious freedom and the miracle of the rededication of the temple. For Jews everywhere, this is a special time to celebrate faith, courage and dedication.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.