The question of which side to light the Hanukkah candles from can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the Jewish tradition. The answer depends on a few factors, including geographical location, personal preference, and family tradition. In this article, we discuss these items in further detail so you can best determine which direction you should light the candles for your Hanukkah celebration.
Table of Contents
Which Direction to Light Hanukkah Candles?
Geographical Location
Jews living in the land of Israel (also known as the State of Israel) will light the candles from right to left as they face the menorah. This simulates the direction of Hebrew writing, as well as the way in which ancient Hebrews wrote from right to left.
Conversely, Jews living outside the land of Israel will light the candles from left to right. This direction was established by the Talmud (oral Jewish law) in Babylon. This direction also simulates the direction of Arabic writing and how most of the world writes from left to right.
Therefore, the determining factor of which side the candles should be lit from is based entirely on the geographical location.
Personal Preference
When geographical location is not a definitive factor, individuals typically follow their own preference. Part of the beauty of Judaism is that there is some room for interpretation and personal preference. Therefore, while most religious Jews may generally light candles from right to left or left to right, there is nothing wrong with a person having a different preference.
Family Tradition
Another significant factor many individuals follow when determining which direction to light the Hanukkah candles from is their personal family tradition. As Judaism is such an inherited tradition (often passed down through the generations), many families follow the rules and practices of their own relatives. This is perfectly okay as family relations in Judaism have traditionally placed the utmost importance on honoring and nourishing the bonds with their kin. Therefore, if there is a personal family tradition already in place, it is best to stick with it.
In conclusion, when deciding which direction to light the Hanukkah candles from, a variety of factors should be considered. Generally speaking, individuals living in the land of Israel light the candles from right to left, while those living outside the land of Israel light the candles from left to right. However, personal preference and family tradition all play a part and should be considered. Ultimately, the deciding factor of which side the Hanukkah candles should be lit from is a personal choice that can be determined with careful investigation and thought.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.