Lighting the Hanukkah candles is an important part of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. Following the ancient ritual of lighting candles each night of the eight-day festival is an important tradition to many families. But when lighting the candles, many want to know – what direction do you light the Hanukkah candles?
When lighting the Hanukkah candles, many people believe it’s important to follow the same direction when adding or removing candles each night. According to Jewish tradition, you must light the candles from right to left. Begin on the far right of the menorah and light each candle from right to left until you reach the center or “shammash” (servant) candle. Then, light the shammash or servant candle and finally the additional candle(s) to remind us that Hanukkah is a holiday of “adding to”. On the 8th night, all nine candles are lit.
There are also certain traditions for blowing out the candles, which is done from left to right with a putting the shammash (servant) candle out last. Since the Hanukkah holiday is celebrated around the world, many variations on this ritual have been adopted. For instance, in some Sephardic homes, candles are lit left to right and blown out right to left.
Another important aspect to consider when lighting the candles is the proper pronouncement of the blessings. When lighting the Hanukkah candles, a blessing is said in Hebrew. On the first night of Hanukkah the Hanukkah candle blessing is given, followed by the traditional Shehecheyanu prayer. On each of the following nights, a different blessing is said. As with many other aspects of the ritual, the order and words of these blessings may vary between families and communities.
It is also important to remember the tradition of using only the Hanukkah candles in the lighting ceremony. Some people also include a larger candle that is not part of the menorah and is known as a “Hanukkiah”. While the Hanukkiah is often used for decorative lighting and accompanying festivities, it does not contain nine branches and is not used in the main ceremony.
Overall, lighting the Hanukkah candles is a wonderful way to connect with the Jewish tradition and keep the festival alive. While there are various interpretations in both the ritual of lighting the candles and the way it is carried out, the fundamentals hold true no matter where Hanukkah is celebrated - light from right to left, from the far right corner to the shammash (servant) candle – and keep the holiday special with blessings and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Related Products:
- Which Direction Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- What Direction Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- How Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles Which Direction?
- In What Direction Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles?
- Which Direction Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles?
- In What Direction Do You Traditionally Light Hanukkah Candles?
- Which Direction Do You Light The Hanukkah Menorah?
- How Do You Light The Candles For Hanukkah?
- What Candles Do You Light On Hanukkah?
- When Do You Light Candles For Hanukkah?
- How Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles?
- How Many Candles Do You Light For Hanukkah?
- What Order Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles?
- What Direction To Light Hanukkah Candles?
- In What Order Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.