▷ How To Light Candles For Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the miracle that happened in the Second Temple. One of the most recognized symbols of Hanukkah is the Menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum lit up with eight candles and the Shamash (helper candle). Lighting the candles with the special blessing is a crucial part of the Hanukkah celebration. Knowing how to light the Menorah correctly during Hanukkah is important to ensure the holiday is celebrated properly.

Table of Contents

1 Step-By-Step Guide To Lighting The Hanukkah Candles

Step-By-Step Guide To Lighting The Hanukkah Candles

Step One: Gather Your Menorah and Supplies

The first thing you need to do is gather everything you’ll need in order to light the Hanukkah Menorah. These supplies includes:

A Hanukkah Menorah with eight branches, usually called “Chanukiah.”
Candles or oil and a wick.
Matches or a lighter.

Step Two: Place The Menorah

The Menorah is traditionally placed in a window so that its light can be seen from the outside. If this is not possible, then it can be placed in any spot that is at least 3.5 feet off the ground and is easily visible in the room.

Step Three: Light It Up!

Lighting the Menorah is the highlight of Hanukkah, and it is usually done in the dark. Place the Menorah on any flat surface and make sure it is stable. Begin by lighting the far-right candle.

Once lit, use this Shamash (helper) candle to light the other eight candles. Start with the far-left, then work your way across to the right. On the first night, you light the first candle only. Then, add one candle each successive night. On the eighth night, all eight candles will be lit.

Step Four: Sing “Maoz Tzur”

After all the candles are lit, sing the traditional Hanukkah song “Maoz Tzur”, which was written to commemorate the miracle of light.

Step Five: Blessings and Celebrating

Begin by reciting the blessings. On the first night, recite the first blessing (in Hebrew below):

Blessed are You Who sanctified us with His commandments and decreed upon us the mitzvah of Chanukah.

Then, immediately recite the second blessing.

Blessed are You Who has performed miracles for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season.

Finally, recite the last blessing.

Blessed are You Who has chosen us and gave us His Torah. Amen.

After the singing and blessings are complete, everyone enjoys the light of the Menorah and eats festive Hanukkah treats to celebrate.

Lighting the Menorah is an important part of the Hanukkah celebration. With this easy, step-by-step guide, anyone can know how to light the Hanukkah candles correctly. Just remember to gather your supplies, place the Menorah in a visible area, light it in the dark from right to left using the Shamash (helper) candle, recite the blessings, sing the traditional Hanukkah song, and celebrate with friends and family!

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