▷ How To Set Up Hanukkah Candles?

Hanukkah is a celebration of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after its recapture from the forces of Antiochus Epiphanes. The Hanukkah tradition includes lighting of the menorah, or Hanukkiah. Setting up the nine-branched menorah correctly is an important part of the ritual of Hanukkah. Here is how to do it.

The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah takes place each night of Hanukkah, traditionally beginning with the first night. To set up the Hanukkah menorah you will need:

A menorah with nine branches.
Candles for each of the eight branches, plus one for the shamash (or “servant”) candle.
A safe place to set the menorah.
Matches or a lighter for lighting the candles.

Instructions

1. Place the menorah in a safe, elevated place, such as on a shelf or table.
2. Starting on the far right side of the menorah, insert one candle in each branch.
3. Place the shamash (or “servant” candle) in the ninth branch, which is usually slightly higher than or separate from the other eight branches.
4. Light the leftmost candle using the shamash.
5. Hold the lit shamash against the other candles, from right to left, and light each of the other candles.
6. Make sure the flames are burning steady, then replace the shamash in its holder.
7. Perform the blessing or prayers associated with the menorah lighting.

Tips

Hanukkah candles burn for approximately 30 minutes, so you will need to light the candles during the same span of time each night.
Adjust the wicks of the candles if they don’t seem to be burning correctly.
Beeswax and paraffin candles may produce unpleasant odors and candledrops, so it is preferable to use cotton wicks if you wish to prevent this.

Hanukkah is a special time of year and, as part of that tradition, setting up the menorah correctly is a meaningful part of the celebration. With the right menorah and supplies, you too can create a beautiful Hanukkah menorah in a safe, appropriate place that will last throughout the eight nights of Hanukkah.

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