▷ Why Do We Light 8 Candles On Hanukkah?

Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights is a Jewish holiday which is celebrated every year in the month of Kislev. It is a very special and joyous time of the year and it marks the liberation from oppression by recognizing the miracles that happened in the past. As part of the celebration, it is customary to light eight candles, and this has become an important tradition of the holiday. But why do we light 8 candles on Hanukkah?

The answer to this question can be found in the Talmud – a Jewish text dating back to the late 5th century. It states that we should light 8 candles – one on the first night, two on the second night, and so forth until all 8 candles are lit on the 8th night. This signifies the miracle of light when a small amount of pure oil used to light the menorah (candelabra) for 8 days before it ran out. This miracle is the basis for the 8-day celebration of Hanukkah.

Table of Contents

1 Why Do We Light 8 Candles?

Why Do We Light 8 Candles?

1 – To Remember the Miracle of Light

The candles are lit as a reminder of the famous miracle of Hanukkah. The traditional menorah consists of 8 branches plus the Shamash (the extra “helper” candle used to light the other candles). Lighting all 8 candles symbolizes the miracle that the small amount of oil in the holy temple lasted 8 days instead of 1.

2 – To Celebrate Victory over the Greeks

The story of Hanukkah is also about victory over oppression. After their temple was desecrated by the Greeks, the Maccabees led a revolt and reclaimed the temple in their name. Lighting 8 candles honors their bravery and service to the Jewish people in reclaiming their freedom.

3 – To Increase in Knowledge and Joy

The number 8 is known as the “Number of Infinity” and is considered to be a symbol of God’s infinite wisdom and understanding. During the 8 days of Hanukkah, it is believed that we can come closer to God by increasing in knowledge and joy.

4 – To Find Spiritual Insights

As the Maccabees rose up to reclaim their freedom, their heroic actions remind us of the importance of finding spiritual insights in everyday life. The 8-day lighting of candles is a reminder of this and that freedom is never complete until it is balanced with a deeper spiritual understanding.

The 8 candles in the menorah represent not only the miracle of oil but also the spiritual awakening that comes with a deeper understanding of the world. Hanukkah is a festive time of year when we gather with family and friends to light the 8 candles to remember and celebrate the miracles that occurred for the Jewish people in the past.

In conclusion, lighting 8 candles for Hanukkah is a way to not just celebrate the miracle of the oil but to also remember how the Maccabees reclaimed their freedom from oppression, to increase our knowledge and understanding of the world and to find spiritual insights in our everyday lives.

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