Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Jews over their oppressors in ancient Israel. The festival of lights lasts for eight days, commemorating the triumph of religious freedom over tyranny. Candles are lit each of the eight nights, the middle ones most specifically, to help the Jewish festival goers remember the historic event. But what are these candles called?
The candles used during Hanukkah are called Hanukkiah or Hanukkah menorah in Hebrew; literally meaning “Dedication.” This is derived from the celebration of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jewish Jerusalem by the Maccabees. The markers of the victory of the weak Jewish forces over the more numerous and more powerful Syrian armies despite the obstacles posed by the circumstances surrounding the situation.
The Hanukkiah typically stands on a table and has eight branches, taking on various forms and sizes. The branches serve as holders for the Hanukkah candles. One of the branches is taller, located in the centre to differentiate it from the remaining seven branches (representing the days of the week). This table-top candelabrum is usually made from a variety of materials such as wood, silver, or brass.
The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is done in a very specific window. During the evening, after the Sabbath when night has fallen, a special blessing is recited then the first Hanukkah candle is lit using a long taper called a shamash. Thereafter, the Hanukkah candle is lit from the shamash as each day of the festivities pass. When lighting the Hanukkah menorah, each candle must be given attention in the order it would naturally occur, starting from either the right or the left.
Furthermore, the Hanukkah candles are themselves special objects. Already made and prepared, they are long and thin, usually made of wax or oil, and burn for about thirty minutes; more than enough time for all the members of the family to gather together, light the menorah and recite the blessings over the Hanukkah.
The fundamental purpose of the Hanukkiah and the Hanukkah candles is to serve as a reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people, even in the face of oppression. With all the components of the menorah coming together, the candleholders are a symbol of that sense of victory and hope in the face of challenges.
In essence, the lighting of specific named candles is a fundamental part of Hanukkah and is an essential part of the festival. Lighting the Hanukkah menorah with its accompanying Hanukkah candles has become an integral custom of the Jewish faith, as each year the Jewish people remember and celebrate the riches of their culture.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.