Lighting the Menorah, the special candelabra used for Hanukkah, is a fundamental part of the eight-day Jewish celebration and serves as a reminder of the divine miracles that occurred during the rededication of the Holy Temple. It can be intimidating to light the candles as the decision of when to light them affects the entire Hanukkah holiday. Fortunately, following a few key steps ensures that the Menorah lighting ceremony is done correctly according to the Jewish calendar.
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When To Light Candles For Hanukkah?
The first night of Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month Kislev of the Hebrew calendar. The Hebrew calendar is Lunar-based, which means it follows the Moon’s cycle. Therefore, the date of the first night of Hanukkah falls on a different day of the Gregorian calendar every year.
Lighting Times
The Menorah is lit using a special 9-branched candelabra. One candle (or oil) is lit on the first night and an additional candle is lit every night after that until all 8 candles are lit on the eighth night. Our Sages tell us that the Menorah must be lit approximately 20 minutes after sunset. On Shabbat (the Sabbath) and on Yom Tov (Jewish Holidays), the lighting is delayed until approximately 30 minutes after sunset due to the longer prayer services.
Candle Order
It is important to note that the newest candle is lit first, and then, the other candles in descending order. On the Sabbath the newest and oldest candles are lit first in traditional order.
Miracle of Lights
The lighting of the candles marks the remembrance of an ancient miracle. According to the Talmud, when the Jews were about to rededicate the Temple in the 2nd century BCE, they found enough ritually pure oil to keep a single lamp in the Temple burning which was only enough for one day. However, it miraculously lasted for 8 full days. To reenact this miracle we put all 8 candles (plus one shammash) into the Menorah and light them.
In conclusion, the Menorah is lit on the 25th of the Hebrew month Kislev which falls on a different date each year in the Gregorian calendar. The lighting is done every night of Hanukkah, starting 20 minutes after sunset. The newest candle is lit first and all 8 candles are lit by the 8th night. The candles are a reminder of the miraculous 8-day oil supply during the rededication of the Temple.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.