The celebration of Hanukkah is all about counting off eight days, and while the length of time may be the same, how you light the menorah during Hanukkah varies a bit from night to night. On each day of the festival, one more candle is added to the menorah until all eight candles are lit on the eighth night. Traditional Jewish law, or halacha, dictates how to initiate the lighting and which blessings to say while you light them, as well as a few details to know about observing this beloved ceremony.
Lighting the Menorah
At sundown on the first night of Hanukkah, the first candle is lit in the menorah. That candle should be set slightly to the left of the other candles so when all of them are lit, the lighting proceeds from left to right. Before lighting the candles – or at least considered as part of the same action – two blessings are recited:
- First blessing: “Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah”
- Second Blessing: “Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim haheim bazeman hazeh”
The first blessing is a declaration of the Hanukkah mitzvah, and the second is an acknowledgement of G-d’s miraculous deeds in the past. After reciting the blessings, one uses a lit candle or special pre-filled lighter to light a solitary candle in the
place of the shammash candle
. The shammash is the candle that is set apart and used to ignite the other candles. The shammash burns throughout the eight days and is the only candle that can be used to light the other candles in the menorah.
On each following night, one more candle is lit from right to left until all the candles are blazing on the eighth night. Some people recite the full light blessing each night, while others only recite the first or introductory part. The candles are lit after nightfall and should burn for approximately 30 minutes. Some people let the candles burn longer if they are enjoying a Hanukkah party. When all eight Hanukkah candles are lit, it is a joyous and festive time.
The act of lighting the menorah is an important part of celebrating Hanukkah. It is customary to bless each candle while lighting it and enjoy the warmth and beauty of the menorah as it stands illuminated. Lighting the menorah each night is a powerful reminder of the miracle that happened thousands of years ago when the small group of Jews defeated the mighty Greek army and a single vial of oil burned for eight days without regret. It is a reminder that no matter how dark and powerless we may feel, one spark of courage and faith can keep us glowing throughout any test or trial.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.