Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival that is celebrated around the world from the 25th day of the Hebrew Month of Kislev to the 2nd day of the Hebrew Month of Tevet. The purpose of lighting the Hanukkah Menorah, or hanukkiyah, is to show that miracles can happen. Lighting the candles on the menorah is a deeply meaningful ritual for Jews, making Hanukkah a special and cherished holiday.
When the Hanukkah lights are lit, special blessings are said, ushering in a special holiday filled with joy and happiness to all those who participate. There are many things to keep in mind when lighting the Hanukkah Menorah.
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The Basics of Lighting Hanukkah Candles
The first night of Hanukkah is marked with the addition of a new candle to the Menorah each night for the following eight nights. On each night, the newest candle is lit first, followed by the other candles from right to left, except for the shamash, or special helper candle, which is used to kindle the other candles.
When to Light?
The Hanukkah Menorah is lit at nightfall, after Shabbat and holidays, and at least two hours after sundown. It is traditional for the family to gather around the menorah before lighting, sing traditional songs and blessings and share in the joy of the evening.
The Blessings
There are three blessings said before lighting the menorah. The first blessing is said prior to the first lighting of the menorah each year and thanks God for the commandments, and for bringing us to celebrate the holiday. The second blessing is said daily when lighting and praising God for the miracles of Hanukkah. The third blessing is said daily when the Hanukkah lights are lit, praising God for the covenant with the people of Israel.
The Mitzvah of Lighting
The mitzvah, or religious obligation, of lighting the menorah is a commandment from the Torah and it is part of the most important commandments of the Jewish faith. Lighting the candlesticks is a representation of breaking physical barriers, which is a reminder of the Macabees’ victory over the Greeks and allows us to feel connected to past struggles and rejoice over miracles that happened throughout the ages.
Hanukkah is a special time of year for the Jewish people, and lighting the Hanukkah Menorah is a powerful and meaningful ritual. Following the customs and rituals of Hanukkah and creating deep connections while celebrating the redemption of the Jewish people is an important way to connect with God, family, and tradition. Despite different religious, cultural, and geographical backgrounds among the Jewish people, lighting the Hanukkah Menorah is a unifying act that celebrates the diversity of the Jewish nation.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.