Hanukkah is the ancient Jewish festival of rededication, which is celebrated today for eight days and nights. During Hanukkah, it is customary to light one additional candle in the eight-branched menorah every night of the festival: starting with one on the first night and increasing by one until, by the eighth night, all eight candles are lit. But how many candles are lit today for Hanukkah?
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How Many Candles Are Lit On Each Night Of Hanukkah?
The number of candles lit on each night of Hanukkah depends on two things: the day of the festival and the kind of menorah used. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit. On the second night, two candles are lit, and so on until the eighth night, when all eight candles are lit. If a nine-branched menorah (known as a “chanukiah”) is used, then on the ninth night, nine candles are lit.
Symbolism of the Hanukkah Candles
The increasing number of candles lit each night of Hanukkah is symbolic of the successful struggle of the Maccabees and their reclamation of the Temple.The candles can also symbolize the strong faith that kept the Jewish people going during adversity and continues to bring them together today.
Why We Add a Candle Every Night
The custom of adding one candle each night is based on the Jewish legal way of counting. In Jewish thought, something incomplete is considered to be one unit. So, on the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit to indicate the first evening of Hanukkah. Then, each subsequent night, one more candle is added.
Variations in Lighting Hanukkah Candles
Although it is customary to add one candle each night, there is also a variation of the lighting ceremony, and that is to start with all eight candles lit. Then, each night, one candle is taken away until one remains on the last night. This variation still follows the Jewish legal way of counting, but it is not as common a practice as the “adding one each night” variation.
In summary, the number of candles lit on each night of Hanukkah corresponds to the day of the festival, and can represent the cycle of life and faith that binds the Jewish people together. The custom of adding one candle each night is based on the Jewish legal way of counting and is the most popular form of the lighting ceremony. Although there is also a variation of the lighting ceremony in which all eight candles are lit on the first night and then taken away one each night, this is not as commonly practiced.
No matter which way of lighting Hanukkah candles is chosen, they celebrate the same story of religious freedom, commitment, and courage among Jews around the world.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.