On the first two nights of Hanukkah, the first candle (The Shammash – helper) is lit. This is followed by subsequent candles from right to left. Every night, on the same side, you add another candle until all eight candles are burning. Each night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit to honor the second miracle of oil that lasted eight days.
Lighting The Candles
The process of lighting the Hanukkah candles starts with the placement of the Hanukkiah or the Hanukkah Menorah. It is usually placed in the window of one’s home, so that it can be seen from outside, and illuminate the darkness with its bright light. Before lighting the first candle, it is customary to bless and recite a prayer. On the first night of Hanukkah, the blessings are recited over two candles: one for the “Light of Creation” and the other for the “Light of Redemption.” Then, on each successive night of Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit, always starting with the new candle, located on the far right, and moving to the left.
Blessings
When it comes to actually lighting the candles, it is traditional to light up the first candle for the holiday blessings. In fact, both Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jews recite the same blessings during this time before they light up the Hanukiah:
- “Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu lehadlik ner shel Hanukkah.”
- “Blessed are You, Lord our God, ruler of the universe who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light.”
Candle Timing
The precise timing of the candle lighting varies depending on the geographical location of the house in which the ritual is held. For Jewish people in Jerusalem, the Hanukkah candles should be lit before nightfall, right when the sky darkens, and it is traditional to light them outside, although this is not a requirement. For all other places, the Hanukkah candles should be lit after nightfall, right when the stars come out.
Hanukkah is a time for reflection, celebration, and the spreading of light. Lighting the candles each night is a quintessential part of these festivities, as it not only commemorates the Maccabees’ miracle, but brings families together to share in their joy. No matter where you are in the world, it is important to understand the joy of the holiday, and its significance in our lives.
No matter when the candles are lit, the miracle of the oil that lasted a long time is worth remembering and celebrating. By lighting the candles each night, individuals can relish in the warmth of the flames, spend quality time with family and friends, and make lasting memories.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.