Hanukkah is a Jewish festival celebrated for eight days and nights. One of the most recognizable symbols of Hanukkah is that of a menorah with nine candle holders of which one candle, the shamash, is intended to light the others. On the first day of Hanukkah, the shamash is lit and then the candle to its right. This is the candle that is lit on the first day of Hanukkah.
The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah candles has become the central ritual of the holiday. According to Jewish tradition, the mitzvah – or commandment – is to increase the light by adding another candle each night starting from the second night. On the first night, one candle is lit.
How Is The Hanukkah Menorah Lit?
The Hanukkah Menorah is lit using a set of special blessings. The traditions of the menorah lighting depend on the type of family and customs they practice. An Orthodox or Mizrahi family will usually light the shamash candle first, which is the one in the center. It is then used to light the candle to its right, which is the one that is lit on the first night of Hanukkah.
The Blessings for Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah
The blessing for lighting the Menorah on the first day of Hanukkah is:
- Baruch Ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, P’say Lishem
- Baruch Ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, She-Asah Li Nissim
- Baruch Ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, She-He’Heyanu V’Kiyemanu V’Higianu La’Z’man Hazeh
In English, it translates to:
- Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has directed us to light the Hanukkah lights.
- Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has worked miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.
- Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, and sustained us, and enabled us to reach the present season.
To conclude, the first candle lit on the first night of Hanukkah is lit using the shamash candle in the center of the menorah. After this, each night one additional candle is lit to the right of the menorah. During this time, the traditional blessing for lighting the Menorah is recited. Hanukkah is a time of joy and celebration, and the lighting of the Menorah is one of the most meaningful symbols of the holiday.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.