During the eight days of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, an increasing number of candles is lit on each night. This is done to honor the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem following the successful Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Greek rulers in the second century BCE. During this time, the Talmud, the record of Jewish law and tradition, decreed that 44 candles be lit over the eight nights of Hanukkah. This article will explore the origins of the 44-candle Hanukkah tradition as well as the symbolism behind this ritual.
The origin of the Jewish tradition of lighting 44 candles for Hanukkah dates back to the Talmud, which classifies it as a Misva, or obligation. According to this text, it is obligatory for Jews to light one candle on each night of Hanukkah plus two additional candles for a total of 44. In addition, the Talmud states that the candles should be lit on an elevated surface in order to show off the lights, symbolizing the miracle of Hanukkah.
Symbolism Of The 44 Candles
The symbolism of the 44 candles is related to the destruction and subsequent restoration of the holy Temple in Jerusalem. During the height of the Jewish revolt, the Seleucid Greeks adopted measures to quell Jewish resistance and attempted to convert the Jews to Hellenistic culture. After the Jews liberated the holy Temple, they needed to rededicate the courtyard to the God of Israel. Unfortunately, when they went to light the oil lamps, they discovered that they only had enough oil to last for one day.
Miracle Of The Oil
Against all odds, the oil lamps miraculously stayed lit for eight full days, until fresh olive oil was ready for use. This miracle is celebrated by lighting 44 candles over the course of eight nights and is also a reminder of the courage of the Maccabees in fighting for Jewish identity. Jews commemorate this miracle each year by lighting Hanukkah Menorahs with 44 candles, further enhancing the symbolism of the holiday of Hanukkah.
Adding Additional Lights
In addition to the 44 candles, some Jews take the opportunity to add some extra light to the holiday by lighting extra Hanukkah candles. This is done to further enhance the celebration, as each additional candle is said to be a reminder of the miracles of Hanukkah and of the importance of maintaining Jewish identity. As such, some Jews choose to use more than 44 candles to further strengthen the holiday’s symbolism.
As demonstrated, the tradition of lighting 44 candles on Hanukkah has great significance in Jewish teachings and is a reminder of the miracle of the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem. The 44 candles symbolize the courage of the Maccabees in fighting for Jewish identity and the miraculous eight-day duration of the original Temple’s oil lamps. Even today, Jewish people from all over the world observe the holiday of Hanukkah, keeping the symbolism of the 44 candles alive for each generation.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.