When it comes to religious holidays, there are a lot of rituals and traditions to consider. One of the most important parts of the Shabbat or Hanukkah celebrations is lighting the candles. But when do we light the Shabbat and Hanukkah candles and which one do we light first? In this article, we will explain exactly which candles are lit first and why.
Shabbat Candles
Shabbat candles are lit on the eve of the Sabbath. This day is known as “Erev Shabbat” and it starts at sundown on Friday night. Lighting the Shabbat candles is a ritual not just for Jews but for many other people across the spectrum of faiths. The tradition is passed down from generation to generation and includes both the lighting of the candles and saying a blessing. The blessing is said in order to remember and honor the day of rest that God gave us.
Hanukkah Candles
Hanukkah candles are lit on the eve of the holiday known as Chanukah. The word Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew and it is a time to remember the Jewish triumph over the Hellenic forces in the fight to keep the light of the Torah shining. There are 8 days of celebration, on each day of the holiday a candle is lit and blessings are said. The Hanukkah candles are known as the “Hanukkiah” and it consists of 9 candles, the 8 candles for the 8 days of Hanukkah and the one candle specifically for the shamash.
Which Candles Do You Light First?
The answer to this question really depends on the timing of the holidays. If Shabbat and Hanukkah overlap, then the correct order of lighting the candles is to start with the Shabbat candles and then the Hanukkah candles. The reason for this is that Shabbat candles come first and the Hanukkah candles are lit in more of a decorative way. If the holidays do not overlap, then of course the Shabbat candles are still lit before the Hanukkiah candles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “which candles do you light first, Shabbat or Hanukkah?” is that Shabbat candles are lit first. This is because Shabbat candles signify a remembrance of the day of rest given to us by God, while the Hanukkiyah candles are lit in a more decorative way in remembrance of the Jewish triumph over Hellenic forces. Regardless of the occasion, lighting the candles is an important way to honor the traditions and history of Judaism.
All in all, the order for lighting candles is an important part of the rituals and traditions related to Shabbat and Hanukkah. The first candles lit should always be the Shabbat candles to signify the Sabbath and the remembrance of God’s day of rest given to us. From there, the Hanukkiyah candles are then lit as a way to honor the Jewish victory over Hellenic forces and to decorate for the occasion of Hanukkah.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.