Hanukkah is a special Jewish holiday celebrated each year around late November/early December. This special eight-day holiday traditionally marks the rededication of a holy temple in Jerusalem, and lighting Hanukkah candles is the most widely recognized Hanukkah tradition. Lighting the candles makes for a beautiful, meaningful ceremony, but learning how to light candles properly may seem confusing at first. Here’s a basic overview of the Hanukkah candle ritual.
Lighting the Candles
What You Need
- A menorah or Hanukkah candelabrums.
- 44 Hanukkah candles.
- Matches or lighter
The Order
The first night, start with the right-most candle and the subsequent seven nights, start with the candle immediately to the left. During the first night, only one candle should be used. On the second night two candles will be used and added to until the eighth night when all eight candles will be lit. It is important to always start the process with the right-most candle.
The Ceremony
When lighting the Hanukkah candles, recite the Blessing for Hanukkah Lights earliest taken from the Talmud. After each night, use the Shamash (or Candle of Service) that is already lit in the middle to light the Hanukkah candles. This is important as the Hanukkah candles are solely symbolic and should not be used for any other purpose.
Once all the candles are lit, recite the She-Hechiyanu which is a prayer of thanks. After, sing songs or read stories (usually from a Haggadah). Offer prayers and meditations, or discuss the meaning of Hanukkah and the meaning of victory and liberation.
Hanukkah is a special holiday celebrating Jewish freedom and the rededication of a holy temple in Jerusalem. While we may not be able to recreate the original celebration, we can honor the Hanukkah tradition of lighting the candles and remind ourselves that, even in the darkest of times, we can still achieve our own sort of victory.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.