▷ Why 9 Candles For Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days and nights and is celebrated with much passion and dedication around the world. One of the main symbols of Hanukkah is the nine-branched menorah – a special candelabra that holds nine candles. These candles are lit each night to celebrate the victory of the Jewish people over their oppressors, as well as to remind them of the miracle of the oils that lit the holy temple in Jerusalem over two thousand years ago. So why exactly are there nine candles for Hanukkah?

The origin of the nine-candle menorah may actually have less to do with the miracle of the oils in the temple and more to do with the lunar cycle. According to Jewish tradition, a woman’s Monthly cycle is closely tied to the lunar cycle, with each month equalling one “moon.” During a woman’s menses, she is considered “tahor” or “clean” for the first seven days before becoming “tamei” or “impure” for the next seven days. To represent this cycle, a Hanukkah menorah was fashioned with seven main candles to represent the seven days of being “tahor” and an additional two secondary candles to represent the next seven days of being “tamei.”

Alternatively, some believe that the nine candles may arise out of the symbolism surrounding the Jewish holidays. Each of the seven main candles of the menorah represent the seven major Jewish holidays, also known as “Shabbat” and the two secondary candles represent the eve of each holiday, known as “erev Shabbat.”

Another explanation may be that the nine candles of the menorah represent the nine miracles that occurred during the time of Hanukkah. These nine miracles include the splitting of the sea, the daily portion of manna, the resurrection of the Aron Kodesh, the rejuvenvement of the oils, and the victories of the priests over their oppressors.

No matter the origin, the nine candles on a Hanukkah menorah are a beautiful reminder of the miracles we celebrate during the holiday season. Hanukkah may only last eight days, but the hope and joy that these nine candles bring will last much longer.

As we light the candles each night of the Hanukkah season, we will be reminded of the miracles of the past that have brought us to this present day. The lights they emit will shine down on us during the festive celebrations, bringing with them the hope of a brighter future.

Related Products:

Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.