Hanukkah is a special eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. One of the key elements of this celebration is the lighting of the menorah candles every night. But a common question about the Hanukkah candle lighting is – in what direction are the Hanukkah candles lit?
The Hanukkah candles are lit in a specific order, starting with the shammash (the special helper candle), and then progressing to the left or to the right, depending on one’s Jewish custom. According to Sephardic custom, also known as the right-to-left method, the newest candle should be placed the furthest right, and the oldest candle should be placed the furthest left. In contrast, Ashkenazi custom – also called the left-to-right method – requires that the newest candle is the furthest left, and the oldest candle is the furthest right.The Lighting Process of the Hanukkah Candles:
For Right-To-Left Custom
- The shammash is lit first.
- The shammash is then used to lit the newest candle on the right.
- This candle is then used to lit the next candle to its left and so forth until all the candles are lit.
For Left-To-Right Custom
- The shammash is lit first.
- The shammash is then used to lit the newest candle on the left.
- This candle is then used to lit the next candle to its right and so forth until all the candles are lit.
Proper Etiquette During Candle Lighting
- The person lighting the candles should say the Hanukkah blessing.
- The menorah should be lit where all can see it.
- No work is to be done after the candles are lit.
As you can see, lighting the Hanukkah candles is a special ceremony with a specific protocol. Everyone involved should abide by the customary order and blessing for the lighting of the candles. Doing so will ensure that the Hanukkah candle lighting tradition remains alive and well for many years to come.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.