Lighting the Hanukkah candles is an essential part of the traditional eight-day Jewish celebration. Carrying out the lighting ritual in a correct and meaningful way is important to many and can become even more meaningful if you understand its significance. It is important to know which direction to light the candles in and following the appropriate customs and practices.
When lighting the Hanukkah candles, the shammash (the “servant” candle) should be used to light the rest of the candles. This is done from right to left, or from the newest candle to the oldest. This is done to represent increasing holiness. The shammash light should be lit first from a pre-existing flame, such as fire, electricity, or from another continuously burning source.
The significance of lighting the Hanukkah candles from right to left is to represent a journey to the elevation of the holiday. The candles start from being the least sacred and end in being the most. As each day of Hanukkah passes, there is an increase of holiness and an increase in the amount of candles lit, as one candle is added each night. After the candles are lit, it is traditional to spin the dreidel and sing the blessings or Ma’oz Tzur hymns.
Table of Contents
Lighting the Candles
Lighting the Hanukkah candles can be done in a correct and meaningful way, providing both spiritual and informational advantages.
Placement:
The placement of the Menorah should be at eye level, with the branches facing the door or window so those outside and can see the lights.
Order:
For the lighting ritual, the shamash (servant) candle should be lit first, using a pre-existing flame from another continuously burning source. Once lit, the shammash is used to light the remaining candles from right to left.
Source of Flame:
The source of the flame can be from a pre-existing flame, such as a:
- fire
- electricity
- other continuously burning source
Number of Lights:
With each night of Hanukkah, one more candle is lit, starting with the shammash on the first night. The number of lights on the Menorah will increase with every passing night until all 8 lights are lit on the 8th night.
Prayers & Blessings:
After lighting the candles and prior to the meal, a special prayer and blessing is recited. The ritual of lighting the candles is the primary element of the observance of Hanukkah and the light of the Menorah is considered a symbol of hope and unity.
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Lighting the Hanukkah candles can have spiritual and informational advantages, and can add special meaning to the traditional ritual. Knowing which direction to light the candles is essential and can help to inspire a greater understanding of the tradition. Following the appropriate customs and practices is important to some, and with preparation and knowledge, you can create a memorable and meaningful Hanukkah celebration.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.