Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated for 8 days and nights each year and is a major holiday in the Jewish calendar. During this time, the Menorah is lit each night as a reminder of this important event. But just how many candles do you need to celebrate Hannukah? This article will provide detailed information on how to properly light the menorah during this special holiday.
How Many Candles Do You Need For Hanukkah?
When lighting the menorah for Hanukkah, it is traditional to use nine candles (also known as Hanukkah lights). The ninth candle is traditionally the “Shamash”, which means “servant” and is lit first each night, then used to light the others in order from right to left.
Each night of the holiday, a new candle is added until all eight Hanukkah lights are lit. Starting with the second night, the Shamash is lit before lighting the Hanukkah candles in order. This serves as a reminder that a single flame can light a much larger flame.
The ninth candle typically sits higher and farther away from the other candles, usually in a special holder. The Hanukkah lights are usually arranged in a straight line. It is customary to light the candles from right to left.
How Many Candles Do You Actually Use for Hanukkah?
You will actually need 44 candles for a full eight days of Hanukkah:
- One Shamash candle for all eight days.
- Eight candles for each night.
- A total of 36 regular candles.
The Shamash candle should not be used for the blessings on the Hanukkah lights. It is mainly used to light the other candles; however, it is also lit when reciting the blessings.
In addition to the eight Hanukkah lights, it is a custom to have one extra candle for each night, called the “pirsum hanes” or public announcement candle. This candle is used to welcome in people to join in the celebration and it should be lit before reciting the blessings. The ‘pirsum hanes’ candles are usually the same as the ones used for the special Hanukkah lights, but, if desired, a larger candle may be used, such as a symbolic pillar candle.
Replacing Candles
The Menorah should be lit for a minimum of thirty minutes each night, and it is permissible to use an electric menorah as long as the mitzvah (the commandment to light the menorah) can be fulfilled.
It is important to remember that the Hanukkah lights should not be used for any purpose other than the mitzvah of fulfilling this religious obligation. If one of the Hanukkah candles goes out unexpectedly, it should be replaced immediately.
Hanukkah is such a special holiday for the Jewish people, so lighting the menorah and celebrating with family and friends is just part of the celebration. Remember that for the Hanukkah lights, one needs nine candles (44 in total) for the full eight days: one Shamash and eight Hanukkah lights, and the ‘pirsum hanes’ can be used to welcome in visitors to take part in the festivities. Electric menorahs are allowed as long as the mitzvah can be fulfilled. If any of the Hanukkah lights go out while lighting it, they should be immediately replaced for a minimum of thirty minutes. Following the guidelines for candle lighting is essential for a meaningful and joyful Hanukkah celebration.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.