Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish festival of lights full of customs and traditions, and the order of the Hanukkah candles is one of its most important elements. During Hanukkah, a special menorah or Hanukkiah is lit by placing a candle in the center and eight additional branches, and the order of the Hanukkah candles determines which candles are lit each night of the festival.
The Order of the Hanukkah Candles
The first candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah and is called the shamash, which literally means ‘servant’. The shamash is typically placed either above or below the other candles, separate from them. On the first night, the shamash is lit first, and then the first candle on the right of the shamash is lit. On the second night, the shamash is lit and then the second candle on the right of the shamash is lit, and so on until all eight candles are lit on the eighth night of Hanukkah.
The tradition follows a special pattern wherein one candle is lit every night, going from right to left. On the first night, only one candle is lit, on the second night two candles are lit, and so on until finally, on the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, all eight candles are lit together. This pattern forms a type of arc or a diagonal line on the menorah – starting from the rightmost side and going up to the leftmost side.
Lighting the Hanukkah Candles
The lighting of Hanukkah candles is done after sunset or nightfall. Before starting this ritual, the menorah should be cleaned and arranged. The candles used should be pure olive oil or specially designed Hanukkah candles.
When lighting the candles, the first verse of the blessing is recited, then using the shamash, each candle is lit from left to right. On the first night, the shamash is used to light the first candle (on the right of it) and the recitation of the second verse is done for the second night. After all, the candles have been lit, the blessing is recited one more time. All the candles should remain lit for at least 30 minutes after nightfall.
The Significance of Lighting Hanukkah Candles
Lighting the Hanukkah candles holds tremendous spiritual significance and represents one of the most important messianic prophecies in the Hebrew scriptures. According to the prophecy, when the Jewish people are persecuted and God allows them to survive as a nation, “they will produce a great light” and illuminate the world.
The order of the Hanukkah candles symbolizes the passing of knowledge between generations, from the young to the old. As the shamash is lit first and then the other candles are lit from it, it symbolizes how we all receive our knowledge and values from our elders. Furthermore, each night, new lights are lit, but the already illuminated candles are also kept burning, signifying the passing of knowledge from generation to generation.
By lighting the Hanukkah candles in a specific order, we honor our history and remember the miracles and stories of our ancestors. This order not only represents our communal past, but also binds us together in the present. It inspires us to keep the flame of faith and practice alive, for these are the fires that guide us through the dark and illuminate a bright future for all.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.