▷ How Many Hanukkah Candles To Light Tonight?

The holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting candles on the menorah, an eight-branched candelabra. Before lighting the menorah every evening, an individual must determine how many candles to light. This process is based on the night of Hanukkah and the number of days into the celebration.

Table of Contents

1 When Does Hanukkah Begin?
2 How Many Candles Are Needed on the First Night?
3 How Many Candles Are Needed on Subsequent Nights?
- 3.1 The Blessing

When Does Hanukkah Begin?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. According to the Hebrew calendar, the date of Hanukkah can range anywhere from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar.

How Many Candles Are Needed on the First Night?

On the first night of Hanukkah one candle, known as the shamash, the servant or helper candle, is lit plus one candle in the appropriate challah (the first night of Hanukkah the leftmost shamash is lit). The shamash is used to light all of the other candles while the additional candle is lit to represent the first night of Hanukkah.

How Many Candles Are Needed on Subsequent Nights?

Second Night: Lighting two candles, the shamash and the one to its right.
Third Night: Lighting three candles, the shamash plus one and two candles to its right.
Fourth Night: Lighting four candles, the shamash plus one, two and three candles to its right.
Fifth Night: Lighting five candles, the shamash and the ones to its right.
Sixth Night: Lighting six candles, the shamash plus one, two, three, four and five candles to its right.
Seventh Night: Lighting seven candles, the shamash plus one, two, three, four, five and six candles to its right.
Eighth Night: Lighting eight candles, the shamash plus all seven of the other candles.

The Blessing

After lighting the candles, a blessing is recited before enjoying any festive meals:

“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of Hanukkah.”

In short, on the first night of Hanukkah, two candles are lit; the shamash plus one candle to its right. On the following nights, an additional candle is lit until all eight candles are lit on the final night of the holiday. After lighting the candles, a blessing is recited as a reminder of why the candles are lit. Hanukkah is a festive and meaningful holiday, celebrated by lighting each candle with thought, attention and care.

No matter the night, lighting the appropriate number of candles shows the devotion and enthusiasm of the individual celebrating Hanukkah and brings brightness and joy to all.

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