▷ What Time Can You Light Hanukkah Candles?

Hanukkah is a joyful holiday celebrated by Jews all over the world. At its center is the lighting of the Menorah, a branched candelabrum, each night of the holiday. What time can you light Hanukkah candles? This is an important question, as it determines the exact time of the ceremony which symbolizes the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC.

The most traditional time to light the Hanukkah candles is right after sunset on the eve of the holiday. Ideally, the candles should be lit shortly after sundown when three stars can be seen. According to Jewish Law, candles should be kindled within a half hour after nightfall. In communities where lights are used, the Hanukkah lights should be lit within eighteen minutes after nightfall.

When lighting the Candles, it is customary for Jews to recite the blessings. There are three blessings in total: a Blessing at the starting of Hanukkah, a Blessing on the candles, and a Blessing which mentions the Wonders and Miracles of Hanukkah.

Table of Contents

1 How To Light The Candles
- 1.1 Kindle From Right To Left
- 1.2 Use a Blessed Flame To Light
2 Practices for Lighting The Candles

How To Light The Candles

Kindle From Right To Left

Beginning with the candle on the extreme right, kindle one light for the first night, two for the second night, and thus continuing until all eight lights of the Menorah are lit.

Use a Blessed Flame To Light

The Hanukkah lights are lit with a single blessed flame, from which they all derive their light. This flame may not be used for any other purpose. Often, it is customary to light a single candle with the blessing, and then use it to light the Hanukkah Candles from right to left.

Practices for Lighting The Candles

It is customary for the head of the household to light the Menorah.
Place the Menorah at door level, in an area of the home that is visible to passersby.
Some practice the custom of leaving the lights burning until the arrival of the Sabbath.
The Menorah should be placed and lit facing the door, so that those who enter can draw spiritual nourishment from its lights.

Lighting the Hanukkah candles is an important religious ritual that takes place each night of the holiday. It is a reminder of the courage and faith of the Jewish people against oppressive forces. It is also the time when one’s family and friends come together to celebrate their faith, traditions and customs. The exact time to light Hanukkah candles is right after sunset, and the blessings are said with each candle that is lit. Doing so will ensure a spiritually profound and illuminating holiday experience for years to come.

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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.