Lighting the Hanukkah candles is a tradition that has been going on for ages. It is a way to celebrate the holiday and to remember some of the religious and cultural aspects of the holiday. It is important to understand the correct way to light the Hanukkah candles in order for this ritual to be meaningful.
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Lighting the Shamash
The traditional Hanukkah Menorah consists of nine branches. The extra branch is known as the Shamash and must be lit first. This candle is then used to light the other eight candles, one candle each night.
Where to Place the Shamash
The Shamash must be placed higher than the other eight candles when lighting. This is done to differentiate between the Shamash and the other candles.
Lighting the Other Candles
The Hanukkah lighting ritual begins with the Shamash and concludes with the candle on the far right. On the first night, the Shamash is lit, and then the first candle is lit from the Shamash. On the second night, the Shamash is lit again, and then the candle which was first lit is used to light the second candle. This pattern is followed until all eight candles are lit.
It is important not to light any candles on the Sabbath in keeping with the Jewish Sabbath laws. On Friday evening, the Menorah must be lit just before sundown and after the candles for Shabbat have been lit.
Saying the Blessings
After the Shamash is lit, the blessing of “Baruch Ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, Asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik neir shel Chanukah”, which translates to “Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah lights” is said.
When the second candle is being lit, the blessing “Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she-asah nisim la-avoteinu b’yamim haheym bazman hazeh” , meaning “Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this season” is said.
This pattern is followed until all the candles are lit. Then an additional blessing is said which is “Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she-heh-cheyanu, v’kiyimanu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.” This translates to “Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season”.
Lighting the Hanukkah candles is an important and meaningful tradition and should be done correctly in order to truly honor the holiday. It is important to place the Shamash higher than the other eight candles in order to differentiate between them and to light the candles in the correct order, starting from right-to-left. Also, the appropriate blessings should be recited when the candles are lit. By following the correct procedure, lighting the Hanukkah candles is a meaningful and beautiful ritual.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.