The traditional Hanukkah candelabra, known as a Menorah, is central to its observance. The lighting of the Menorah is a daily ritual, and many Jews around the world perform it during the Hanukkah holiday each year. The number of candles that the Menorah should contain is contested among the ancient and modern sources, though certain design innovations that have become popular in the modern era might suggest a typical figure.
According to traditional sources, a Menorah that is used for the Hanukkah celebration should contain eight candles, plus an additional candle or oil lamp known as the “shamash”. This shamash is used to light each of the eight candles, one at a time, starting from the right-hand side. The eight candles are meant to represent each day of the eight-day holiday. However, some modern customs dictate that the Hanukkah Menorah may actually contain nine candles — the traditional eight, plus a ninth for the shamash.
Typically speaking, a Hanukkah Menorah should have eight branches to it, each having enough space for an individual candle. These candles may be made of wax or oil, depending on personal preference. On the ninth night of the Hanukkah holiday, an empty space is left within the Menorah, known as the “Whoops Candle”, to remind people of the missing day in the Jewish leap year.
Within certain Hasidic and Lubavitch communities, a Menorah consisting of 10 candles is gaining popularity. According to them, this additional candle is used to remind Jews of the first miracle of Hanukkah, the tale of how a single day’s worth of oil managed to last an entire week. This candle may be placed inside the existing nine-candle Menorah or in a separate, additional Menorah.
In conclusion, the number of candles traditionally required for a Hanukkah Menorah varies by tradition and custom. The modern requirements tend to be eight or nine candles, depending on the custom in a given community. Other communities, particularly Hasidic and Lubavitch, call for the use of a 10-candle Menorah. Whichever design you decide to use, the Hanukkah Menorah serves as a reminder of the miracle of this holy holiday.
Related Products:
- How Many Candles Does A Hanukkah Menorah Hold?
- What Is The Candelabra Of Hanukkah Called?
- How Many Candles Total For Hanukkah?
- Hanukkah Candles How Many?
- How Many Candles Are Needed For Hanukkah?
- How Many Candles On A Hanukkah?
- How Many Candles Are On The Hanukkah?
- How Many Candles In Hanukkah Menorah?
- Hanukkah How To Light Candles?
- How Many Candles Are Lit During Hanukkah?
- How Many Hanukkah Candles?
- How Many Candles Are Used For Hanukkah?
- Hanukkah Menorah How Many Candles?
- How Many Candles Hanukkah Menorah?
- How Many Candles In A Hanukkah Menorah?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.