▷ When Do You Light The Hanukkah Candles?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for 8 days, commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem which took place in the second century B.C. An integral part of the celebration is the lighting of the Hanukkah candles each night.

The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, known as “hanukiyot”, begins on the first night of Hanukkah, which occurs this year on the evening of December 10th. Every night of the festival, starting from the first night and ending with the 8th night of Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit on the menorah. The simplest way to remember when to light the Hanukkah candle is to follow the order of the days, starting with the first one, until all the eight candles are lit.

The ritual begins by lighting the shamash (servant) candle, which is used to light all the other Hanukkah candles. The shamash is typically placed in the center of the menorah, though there is no hard and fast rule here. The shamash is lit first and then used to light the other eight candles, which are placed on either side of it, one candle for each day of the holiday.

The blessing over the Hanukkah lights is twofold. The first part consists of three blessings recited first:

The Three Blessings:

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in days of old at this season.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.

The second part is unique to each night of Hanukkah. It begins with a phrase acknowledging the fact that one additional candle has been added to the menorah, and then includes a prayer for the safety of the Jewish people:

Blessing for Each Night of Hanukkah:

On the first night: Blessed are You, Lord our God, king of the universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments, and commanded us to kindle the first light of Hanukkah.
On the second night: Blessed are You, Lord our God, king of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.
On the third night: Blessed are You, Lord our God, king of the universe, who has performed miracles for our forefathers, at this season, in days of old.
On the fourth night: Blessed are You, Lord our God, king of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.
On the fifth night: Blessed are You, Lord our God, king of the universe, who has given us a country, atoned for us and enabled us to reach this season.
On the sixth night: Blessed are You, Lord our God, king of the universe, who has given us the Torah of truth, planted everlasting life within us, and enabled us to reach this season.
On the seventh night: Blessed are You, Lord our God, king of the universe, who has chosen us from all peoples, and enabled us to reach this season.
On the eighth night: Blessed are You, Lord our God, king of the universe, who has granted us his grace, and enabled us to reach this season.

The traditional Hanukkah song “Ma’oz Tzur” is sung in Hebrew after the candles are lit.

In conclusion, lighting the menorah on Hanukkah is an important part of the holiday that helps to keep alive the spirit of the Miracle of the Oil. Each night brings an opportunity for Jews around the world to give thanks for the blessings of Judaism, while looking ahead to a brighter future.

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