Hanukkah is a festive 8-day Jewish holiday that celebrates a 2nd-century BCE triumph over religious oppression. It is a time for families to come together, eat traditional foods, recite blessings, play games, and exchange gifts. At the heart of the celebratory observance are the lights of the Hanukkah menorah, an ornamental candlestick with nine holders. As the candles of the menorah are lit each night of the holiday, special blessings are said. But what do they mean?
What Do The Candles Mean In Hanukkah?
The ninth candle of the Hanukkah menorah is the shamash, which means “servant” in Hebrew. This candle is used to light the other eight lights. It is different than the others in that it is set apart on a higher level or in a different colored holder. All the others are identical, arranged in groups of three, and put in a straight line. These are thought to represent the idea that the holiday is a celebration of a festival of light.
The first candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah. Each successive night, an additional candle is lit, continuing until all eight Hanukkah candles are burning. The eight burning candles are meant to symbolize the miracle of the oil that kept the menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem burning for eight days. Ultimately, the menorah symbolizes the courage of the Maccabees who fought for their right to religious freedom.
The lighting of the candles involves saying a series of blessings. After the first blessing, the head of the household (“shaliach tzibur”) uses the shamash candle to light all of the other 8 in succession. This is usually done by the youngest child in the family, which symbolizes passing along the tradition and passing on the light to future generations.
The meaning behind the ritual is that, just as the light of the candles on the menorah grows brighter each night, our connection to the values of Judaism should strengthen each year. Over the eight days of Hanukkah, the reflections of the lights on the menorah, and the wonderful stories and memories shared, bring joy to our homes and remind us of the true meaning of the holiday.
Hanukkah is more than just a celebration with firelight and festive foods; it is a reminder of the brave Maccabees and the miracles of liberation that took place thousands of years ago. As they are lit, the Hanukkah candles serve as a reminder of unity, tradition, faith, and hope. In the lighting of the candles, we are blessed with the reminder that our belief in our Jewish heritage can keep our spirits alive, no matter how strong the forces of darkness may be. With these lights, our families and communities can be connected to a greater tradition of resilience, strength, and love.
The lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah is a time-honored tradition that can be enjoyed and cherished by generations to come. Through this ritual we celebrate our freedom and our faith by welcoming in the glow of the menorah. It is a symbol of our resilience and a reminder of the wonders of our past.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.