Hanukkah is an eight-day long Jewish Festival and is celebrated through the kindling of special candles known as the Hanukkah candles. Traditionally, these candles are placed on the left side of the Hanukkah menorah with the shamash (attendant candle) in the middle. But what is the exact placement of the Hanukkah candles and which side do you light them?
The traditional placement of the Hanukkah candles is on the left side of the menorah, with the shamash in the middle. This placement is based upon an ancient superstition which states that bad spirits and demons, if they exist, have difficulty distinguishing between their left and right sides due to their mythical non-human nature. Thus, they approach from the right of the menorah only to leave from the left and creating a safe environment in which to light the mitzvah (commandment) of lighting the Hanukkah candles.
The Chanukah candles are lit from left to right with the shamash being used to light the others. The eight-branched Chanukah menorah is lit using pure olive oil or wax. On the first night of the holiday, one candle is lit on the left side of the menorah. On the second night two candles are lit, the first candle on the left side and the second to its right. The same goes for the rest of the nights of Chanukah, working from left to right and not adding more candles from right to left in order to remember the original formation of the Hanukkah menorah.
On Chanukah, many also add a traditional prayer when lighting the menorah. The blessings refer to God as “The One who performed miracles for our ancestors at this time” or “The One who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Chanukah candles.” A traditional Jewish prayer is also said when seeing the Chanukah lights.
In conclusion, the traditional placement of the Hanukkah candles on the left side of the menorah with the Shamash in the middle is still the accepted practice. The candles are lit from left to right with the Shamash being used to light the others and the traditional blessing is said when lighting the menorah.
Now that you fully understand how to light the symbols of this ancient holiday, you are ready to take part in the tradition for yourself! So get out your menorah and prepare to light up your week with the blessings and joy of the Chanukah candles!
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.