Hanukkah is an important Jewish holiday celebrated for eight nights and nine days. During Hanukkah, the menorah, a special candle holder holding nine candles, is lit in commemoration of the miracle of the oil from the time of the Macabees. People often wonder when is the menorah lit for Hanukkah?
The menorah is lit at sunset each day as part of the evening prayer ritual. The menorah is lit in a specific order, beginning with the shamash, or helper candle, and continuing clockwise. On the first night, you start the ritual by lighting the shamash and the first candle. On the next night, you light the shamash and the first two candles. This continues each night up until the eighth night when all of the candles, including the shamash, are lit.Lighting the Menorah at Home
To light the menorah at home, it is customary for a blessing to be said before the lighting of each candle. The blessing for the shamash and each of the eight candles is as follows:
“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.”
Lighting the Menorah in the Synagogue
When lighting the menorah at the synagogue, traditions vary. Generally, the person officiating the service will light the menorah and the congregation will join in the singing of songs known as Hallel. If reading from the Torah, the Hanukkah story is recounted. After this, the congregation may sing celebratory songs and offer additional blessings in recognition of the holiday.
So, when is the menorah lit for Hanukkah? The menorah is lit at sunset each day, with the shamash and the number of candles corresponding to the current night of Hanukkah. Blessings are said for the shamash and each of the eight candles before lighting. This practice of lighting the menorah is done both in the home and in the synagogue. Hanukkah is a special and meaningful holiday, and the lighting of the menorah is an enjoyable part of the rituals that it entails.
Related Products:
- Which Hanukkah Candle Is Lit First?
- What Candle Is Lit First For Hanukkah?
- What Hanukkah Candle Is Lit First?
- When Is First Candle Lit For Hanukkah?
- Which Candle Is Lit First Hanukkah?
- When Is The First Hanukkah Candle Lit?
- What Candle Is Lit Today For Hanukkah?
- What Candle Is Lit Tonight For Hanukkah?
- When Is The First Candle Lit For Hanukkah?
- What Is Lit To Represent Each Day Of Hanukkah?
- When Should Hanukkah Candles Be Lit?
- How Many Lights Should Be Lit For Hanukkah Today?
- When Are Hanukkah Candles Lit?
- How Long To Keep Hanukkah Candles Lit?
- How Are The Hanukkah Candles Lit?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.