▷ How Many Total Candles For Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is an 8 day Jewish festival which celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. During the Festival of Hanukkah candles and special foods are traditionally eaten. One of the major parts of Hanukkah is the lighting of menorah candles which is an important part of the history and the celebration. But how many total candles are needed for the full 8 days of Hanukkah?

The lighting of the Hanukiah, which is the special type of menorah that is used during Hanukkah, requires a total of 44 candles – 22 for the first day and an additional 22 for the remaining 7 days of the festival. On each night of Hanukkah, the candle which corresponds to that night is lit, beginning with the candle on the far right of the menorah. 2018 is a leap year, so Hanukkah is 8 nights long.

These candles must be a special type of candle designed for this type of use. The wicks must be pure cotton and the wax should be specially made. The candles should be unscented and the wicks should be short enough to not touch the base of the menorah.

The Hanukiah can have branches of different lengths, but must have at least one branch which is higher than all the others. This is the “shamash”, which means “servant” in Hebrew. The shamash is lit before all other candles, and is used to light the other candles. After all the other flames have been lit, the shamash is extinguished.

The lighting of the Hanukkiah is a very important part of Hanukkah celebrations. It usually takes place shortly after sunset and starts with a blessing over a cup of wine or juice. Traditional blessings are then recited for each of the candles which are being lit.

During the lighting of the candles, traditional songs and stories about the Maccabees and their struggle against the Greeks are shared between family members. This is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the special holiday of Hanukkah.

In summary, there are 44 candles required for the Hanukkiah for the 8 nights of Hanukkah.These candles must have specific guidelines in order to be safely used, and lighting of the Hanukkiah is an important ritual for the holiday. Along with the lighting of the candles, family members can also share traditional stories and songs together. This is a fun and meaningful activity and adds to the joy of celebrating Hanukkah!

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