Hanukkah, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, is a very special time of year for those of the Jewish faith and is celebrated for eight days through the lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah. Each night, a new candle is lit in remembrance of the Maccabees’ miracle with a single cruse of oil lasting eight days, until new oil could be procured for the temple. Each candle has a deeper meaning than just the markings of another night of Hanukkah as it also holds a deep symbolism for each of the eight days.
The Shamash
The Hanukkah Menorah, often referred to as a Hanukkiah, is composed of nine candles with a central candle known as the Shamash. The Shamash is used to light the other eight candles and is placed slightly higher than the other candles. It serves as a symbol of service and devotion associated with the other lights on the menorah. The Shamash is lit first and immediately followed by the selection and lighting of one of the other eight candles of the Hanukkiah.
The Candles
The eight candles of the menorah represent the eight days of Hanukkah and symbolize the holy day’s twofold theme of freedom and thanksgiving. Beginning on the far right side of the menorah, a new candle is lit each night in a left-to-right order while focusing on its spiritual meaning. Jews of the fourth century referred to them as the Chanukah lights, however they are today known as Ner Chanukah or Chanukah candles. As a reminder to be ever-conscious of G-d’s presence, no other lights are permitted to be used for any other purpose.
Lighting the Candles
Each night of Hanukkah, beginning with the first day and ending on the eight day, the Shamash is lit and followed by the lighting of a right-to-left sequence of the candles. The mitzvah for the holiday is to light one new candle each night, however, the most commonly accepted way is to light one new on the first night, two on the second night, and continue until all eight candles are lit on the eighth night.
Meaning of the Candles
The lighting of a new candle each night holds many interpretations. In addition to representing the eight night of Hanukkah, the eight lights are used to appreciate and remember the miracle of the oil from the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. As the menorah is lit in celebration of the Maccabees’ brave victory and in remembrance of their faith, each night provides an opportunity to express and spread G-d’s love throughout a home.
Hanukkah is an important, and widely celebrated, part of the Jewish faith. With each new candle lit in the Hanukkiah, the holiday serves as an opportunity to remember the Temple’s miracle and the courage of the Maccabees. Lighting the menorah is a way for the entire family to come together in their faith, unity and appreciation for the symbolism of each candle.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.