The holiday of Hanukkah is a joyous time of the year for the practicing Jewish community. An important part of the celebration is the ceremonial lighting of the Hanukkah candles. There are specific ways of lighting the candles — the wrong way isn’t wrong, but is the preferred way to ensure a pleasant Hanukkah experience.
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The Order of Lighting the Candles
The Hanukkah candles are arranged in a candleholder, also known as a “Hanukkiah.” There are typically nine branches on the Hanukkiah — a central branch for the Shamash, or “helper” — and eight for the remaining candles. As per tradition, the first candle starts in the right most position (position one) and the lighting progresses to the left. All the while, the Shamash will stay in the center.
The Blessing
Before lighting the Hanukkiah, one must recite a blessing. The blessing is traditionally:
- Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner Shel Hanukkah.
This translates to “Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.” After the blessing, the first candle is lit. It is also traditional to place the shamash into the candleholder before it is lit.
Lighting, Day by Day
On the first night of Hanukkah, light one additional candle — for a total of two. On the second night, light two more (for a total of three), and continue this pattern until the eighth night, when all eight candles are added and lit. On the last night, only one additional candle is lit.
It is traditionally to light from left to right — though sometimes people will light in the opposite way, from right to left. This is perfectly acceptable, as long as you light in a consistent direction each night.
The Electric Menorah
Although the traditional Hanukkiah is lit with actual candles, there are various electric versions as well. There is an actual plug-in electric Hanukkiah available for purchase, and you can also find many varieties that can be battery-operated. Some electric Menorahs may only have seven branches, rather than nine, as it is meant to simulate the other versions of the Hanukkiah. Electric Hanukkahs are great for those who cannot keep a candle burning, and also make a nice, safe addition to any Hanukkah celebration.
The lighting of the Hanukkiah is a very important part of any Hanukkah celebration. The order of the candles, starting from right to left works best to ensure a meaningful and lovely holiday. Electric versions of the Hanukkiah are convenient for families with small children or for anyone who may not be able to keep a real candle burning. No matter the circumstances, the lighting of the Hanukkiah is a beautiful reminder of the miracle that happened in ancient Judea.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.