The first night of Hanukkah can sometimes be confusing for those who are unfamiliar with the holiday. When do I light the Hanukkah candles? When it comes to the lighting of Hanukkah candles, there are certain rituals and prayers associated with it. Understanding these rituals, as well as the history behind them, will help you make the most of the Hanukkah celebration.
When To Light the Hanukkah Menorah
The lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah traditionally begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, which usually falls in December. The Menorah should be lit at sundown, with one additional candle lit each night for a total of eight by the eighth night. The official prayer is said before lighting the menorah, although the blessing differs from family to family and faith to faith.
The Chanukiah
The Menorah used for the holiday of Hanukkah is also known as a Chanukiah. It is different than the seven-branched candelabra found in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, as a Chanukiah has nine candles: one for each night of Hanukkah, plus a central shamash or helper candle that is used to light the others.
A Special Order
The candles are lit from left to right starting with the one to the far right, and proceeding to the left. Always ensure the Shamash is lit first and any unused candles are skipped. Each night’s lighting should include the following elements:
- Saying the traditional blessings – Speak slowly to ensure everyone understands the traditional Hebrew and Aramaic words.
- Reciting a special blessing – Recite the HaNerot Halalu prayer, which begins with “We light…these Hanukkah lights…”
- Dance around the Menorah – Celebrate the joy of the Hanukkah tradition by offering a Hanukkah jig or doing a special parade with a dreidel in hand!
The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is a sacred tradition that helps to keep the warmth and spirit of the holiday alive. Keeping to the same order and tradition of lighting the Menorah each night is important, as is reciting the traditional prayers. Hanukkah is a special time of year meant to be shared with family and friends, and a way of celebrating faith, freedom, and miracles.
Related Products:
- How Many Candles Do I Light Tonight For Hanukkah?
- How Many Hanukkah Candles Do I Light Tonight?
- What Time Do I Light The Hanukkah Candles Tonight?
- How Do I Light The Hanukkah Candles?
- What Time Should I Light The Hanukkah Candles?
- Which Side Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- How Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles?
- What Order Do You Light The Candles For Hanukkah?
- How Do You Light The Candles For Hanukkah?
- What Order Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- Which Order Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- How Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- What Candles Do You Light On Hanukkah?
- What Direction Do You Light Hanukkah Candles?
- What Direction Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.