Hanukkah is a festive eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of a temple in Jerusalem that was destroyed during 167 BC. At the center of this holiday is the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, also known as the hanukkiya, with eight candles to commemorate the holiday’s miraculous series of events. The lighting of the menorah marks the eight nights of the holiday, and there are rules on how to light the candles in the proper order.
When it comes to lighting the candles, there is a specific order in which you can follow. The number of candles to be lit corresponds with the nights, so on the first night, you will light just one, the second night you will light two, and so on. The placement of the candles is from right to left, with the Shamash (the helper candle) on the outer right, and then continue in this particular Hebrew sequence by lighting one additional candle each night: Bayt, Shin, what, Hay, Vav, Zayin. Table of Contents
Specific Lighting Rules
The Shamash
The Shamash is the middle candle of the menorah, and it is used to light the other eight candles in the hanukkiya each night. It is often placed in a different holder so it is raised slightly higher than the other eight.
Lighting the Candles
Whether you light all eight on the first night, or follow the specific sequence, traditionally the shamash should always be lit first. Beginning on the first night, and going left to right, you light the Shamash first, pause, say a special prayer for lighting the Hanukkah candles, and then light the first candle to the right of the shamash. Continue this procedure each night, lighting candles on the right side of the previous one, placing the tallest candle farthest to the left.
Suitable Blessing
As you light the candles, recite the traditional blessing as follows:
- Baruch Ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah
The translation for this is:
- “Blessed are you, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has made us holy with His commandments and has commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.”
With proper knowledge and tradition, lighting the Hanukkah candles is easy and enjoyable. Even though some rules are required to ensure the ritual is performed properly, this holiday allows for personal and creative interpretation of the celebration. Be sure to incorporate this knowledge into your practice of the holiday lighting each night, so your family can establish their traditions and create new memories year after year.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.