Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival which is usually celebrated during the month of Kislev (November-December). During the festival each night a candle is lit to commemorate a miracle that took place more than two thousand years ago. This miracle, based on the story of the Maccabim, is remembered and celebrated to this day. But what does each day of Hanukkah represent? Read on to learn more about what is lit to represent each special day of Hanukkah.
Day One:
The first night of Hanukkah is celebrated with lighting a single candle. The candle is placed on the left side of the Menorah, and is called the “Shamash” or the “helper” Candle. It is used to light the other eight candles, one for each night of the festival.
Days Two Through Eight:
Each night of Hanukkah, one additional candle is lit until all eight are burning bright. The candles are progressive, so on the second night two candles are litten, on the third night three candles, etc, until all eight are lit on the eighth night.
The candle lighting order goes from right to left, starting with one for each night and increasing until all eight candles are shining.
The candles represent various aspects of the holiday which is celebrated each night. Here are the meanings behind each candle:
- The First Candle: represents the renewed hope and sense of redemption that arrived with the rededication of the Temple;
- The Second Candle: remembering the rededication of the Temple by the Macabees;
- The Third Candle: thanking God for the miracle of the oil that lasted 8 days when there was only enough for one;
- The Fourth Candle: representing the ongoing struggle for religious freedom;
- The Fifth Candle: commemorating the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks;
- The Sixth Candle: recognizing the restoration of Jewish law and justice to true religion;
- The Seventh Candle: celebrating the bravery of the Maccabees;
- The Eighth Candle: thanking God for allowing the Jews to keep their faith alive.
Hanukkah is a time of joyous celebration and remembrance of the Maccabees’ victory for religious freedom. The lighting of the Menorah each night is a reminder of the great miracle that happened two thousand years ago when one day’s worth of oil burned for eight long days. Through this ritual, which celebrates the amazing victory and miracle, each night of Hanukkah is rich with meaning and joy.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.