Hanukkah is a vibrant and joyful holiday for Jews around the world that celebrates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple during the Maccabean Revolt. One of the quintessential parts of Hanukkah is that it lasts 8 days, rather than the typical one or two days that most holidays last. Why does Hanukkah last 8 days?
The answer to why Hanukkah lasts 8 days lies in the story of the Maccabees, who overthrew the Greek kingdom that had controlled Israel. When the Maccabees rededicated the Holy Temple, they found only enough oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for 8 days until more purified oil could be procured. This miracle is why the holiday lasts 8 days, to commemorate the oil that burned for 8 days with only a one day resource.
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The Ritual of Hanukkah Candles
Lighting the Menorah
One of the main rituals of Hanukkah is the kindling of the menorah candles in the home. The menorah consists of eight branches (commonly referred to as “candles”) and an additional ninth branch in the middle, called the shamash. On the first night, the shamash is lit first and used to light the other candles. The shamash and one candle is then lit on each subsequent night of Hanukkah.
Blessings for Lighting the Candles
The owner of the menorah lights the shamash first and then says the blessings:
- Blessed Are You, Lord Our God, King of the Universe, Who Has Sanctified Us With His Commandments and Commanded Us to Light the Hanukkah Lights.
- Blessed Are You, Lord Our God, King of the Universe, Who Performed Miracles for Our Forefathers in Those Days At This Time.
After the blessings are said, the owner lights the other candles from left to right, beginning from the new candle and working towards the end of the menorah.
What to Do Each Night of Hanukkah
Each night of Hanukkah involves kindling the candles according to the traditional method, along with saying the proper blessings, and celebrating. Most families have the ritual of lighting the menorah, and they often pass this ritual down from generation to generation. Families will as well often have festive dinners and exchange gifts.
Hanukkah is a holiday that celebrates the triumph of faith and the miracle of surviving against the odds. Therefore, it is fitting that it lasts 8 days in total. Each of those days marks a different feat in the Maccabean Revolt and also celebrates the miracle of the oil that burned in the Temple for 8 days with only enough resources for 1 day. It is a beautiful and victorious time of year that many around the world rejoice in celebrating.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.