Lighting the Hanukkah candles is a sacred and meaningful ritual associated with the celebration of the Festival of Lights. Lighting the eight candles of the menorah, also known as the chanukiyah, in special order, is the focal point of the holiday, and is meant to motivate and guide you in reflecting on the miracles of the past and how you can bring a bit of that ancient spirit of religious freedom into your own home.
Whether celebrated alone or with family and friends, the traditional order for Hanukkah candles is to light one candle on the first evening of Hanukkah, two on the second evening and follow this pattern until the final night of Hanukkah when all eight candles will be lit. This pattern, known as the “in-condensation” or “sanctification” candle lighting order is recited with the blessings in Hebrew.Table of Contents
The Basic Setup of a Menorah
The lighting of the menorah is at the heart of the Hanukkah celebration. A menorah consists of eight branch holders, called shamash, and the nine candles which are set up in a special order. The shamash holds a ninth candle which is used to light all the candles in the menorah. The shamash is usually placed higher or lower than the other candles to separate it from the others.
The Meaning of Lighting the Hanukkah Candles
Lighting the menorah is a reminder of the miracle of Hanukkah- when the small amount of oil which was saved from a desecrated temple in Jerusalem burned for eight days instead of one. The Hanukkah celebration focuses on the joy of religious freedom and the victory of the Maccabees over the oppressive forces of their time.
The Order For Lighitng the Hanukkah Candles
It is customary to light the menorah from left to right when beginning the candle lighting on the first night of Hanukkah. This custom uses the same logic used to read Hebrew words from right to left, creating an outward and forward flow of energy.
Hanukkah Blessing
In addition to the candle lighting pattern, a special prayer, called a Hanukkah blessing, is also recited throughout the ceremony. This blessing contains three blessings, and is recited after the first candle of each night is lit. The blessings in Hebrew are followed by a translation for those not familiar with the language.
- The first blessing blesses God for the “sanctity of his commandments”,
- The second blesses God for “the wonders, miracles and redemption that you accomplished for our ancestors in this place ” and
- The third is an acceptance of God’s sovereignty and promises him that we will uphold “his laws, and will kindle the lights of Hanukkah.”
The Significance of the Hanukkah Candles
The Hanukkah candles bring joy and bring light into dark winter nights. Lighting the eight candles, each representing one day of the Hanukkah miracle, is a symbol of hope, and a reminder of God’s miracles. As each of the candles is lit, both participant and observer are reminded of the miracle of Hanukkah and its powerful message of religious freedom and hope for the future.
The ritual of lighting the menorah during Hanukkah is steeped in centuries of tradition and has great symbolic significance. Lighting the menorah with its special blessings allows believers in this special holiday to both celebrate the joy of the festival and to remember the religious freedom that is so important to the Festival of Lights. By following this special ritual, we can bring a bit of that same spirit of religious freedom into our homes and our hearts.
Related Products:
- In What Order Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- What Order Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles?
- Which Order Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- What Order Do You Light The Candles For Hanukkah?
- What Order Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- How Do You Light The Candles For Hanukkah?
- How To Light Hanukkah Candles In Order?
- When Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- What Do You Say When You Light The Hanukkah Candles?
- In What Direction Do You Traditionally Light Hanukkah Candles?
- When Do You Light Candles For Hanukkah?
- In What Direction Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles?
- How Many Candles Do You Light On Hanukkah?
- How Many Candles Do You Light For Hanukkah?
- What Direction Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.