When Is The First Hanukkah Candle Lit?

Hanukkah is an 8-day Jewish festival that marks the rededication of the Second Temple. Each night, a candle is lit on the menorah (candelabra) to celebrate the holiday. But when is the first candle lit?

The first Hanukkah candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah, known as “Kabbalat Hanukkah.” Kabbalat Hanukkah includes an evening prayer service that begins shortly before sunset. Per Jewish tradition, the first Hanukkah candle is lit right after the conclusion of the prayer service. To celebrate Hanukkah, a special 9-branched menorah called a “hanukiah” is lit each night during Hanukkah.

The Lighting Process: How Is the Hanukiah Lit?

Every evening of Hanukkah, a special set of blessings are said while lighting the Hanukiah. The blessings are in Hebrew, and are derived from the Talmud (rabbinic decisions and teachings). The blessings are:

• Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Hanukah light.
• Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this season.

After saying these blessings, the first candle, known as the “shamas”, is lit using another pre-existing flame (as creating a “flame-less” flame is strictly forbidden in Judaism). The shamas is typically placed at the extreme right side of the Hanukiah, and subsequent candles are lit from right to left.

The Blessing After Lighting Each Candle

Following the lighting of the first candle, a different blessing is said after lighting each additional candle. The text of this blessing is:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.

When all the candles have been lit, the Hanukiah is made to stand upright and it is typically placed in a window so that it can be seen by passersby in the street.

Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabees’ successful rebellion against the Seleucid Empire of Greek origin. The first candle on the Hanukiah marks the start of the 8-day celebration. Through prayer, song, and special lighting rituals, Jews honor the miracle of the oil that burned for 8 days when the Temple was being rededicated.

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