The lighting of candles is an important part of the Hanukkah celebration. Each night of Hanukkah an extra candle is lit in a special candelabrum or Menorah. Many curious children and adults alike ask, which candle should be lit first? The answer is not as simple as it may seem and it depends on what type of Menorah being used.
The first candle that is lit on the first night is called the shammash or helper candle. It sets off the lighting of the other eight. On the other nights, the shammash remains lit among the other eight and is not extinguished. It is used to light the other Hanukkah candles. The first candle to be lit from the shammash is the one that is the farthest to the right of the Menorah as it faces the observer.
Which Candle Lights First?
Candelabrum
When using a candleabrum, the highest candle (located in the center) is lit first. This candle is referred to as the Shamash (“Helper”), which will later be used to light the rest of the candles.
Mishneh Torah, Halacha 1, states that, “On the first night, one lights the highest candle first.”
Menorah
When using a Menorah,the first candle to be lit is the eighth candle from the right. Although the candles are arranged in a straight line, they are counted as the rightmost candles. Just like in a candleabrum, the highest candle (in this case it’s the farthest to the viewer’s right) is lit first and is referred to as the Shamash.
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 671:1 states, “Starting from the right, one lights all of the candles in order,” which means the first candle to be lit according to the Shulchan Aruch is the farthest to the right.
Regardless of which type of candelabrum you use, the shammash should always be lit first. This is to light the rest of the Menorah and is a reminder to all that throughout the festival of Hanukkah, there is a need for helpers or helpers in life. In addition, the symbolic act of lighting the helper candle first is a demonstration of the importance of helping others and can serve as a message throughout one’s own Hanukkah celebration.
In conclusion, the first candle to be lit on the first night of Hanukkah depends on the type of candelabrum or Menorah being used. If a candleabrum is used, the highest candle in the center is lit first and referred to as the Shamash. When a Menorah is used, the first candle to be lit is the eighth candle from the right. Regardless of the type of candelabrum or Menorah used, the shammash should always be lit first and its light used to light the others, which is a reminder of the importance of helping others.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.