Tyler Brooks
During the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, Jews around the world light menorahs. The menorahs have eight spots for candles—one for each night—and an extra ninth spot for the shamash, or helper candle, which is used to light the others. The shamash is usually placed in the centre of the menorah, at a different elevation to the other eight candles. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but are lit from left to right. There are many options for Hanukkah candles, from basic candles for children to handmade, handcrafted, or plant-based candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 44 (36 excluding the helper candle) |
| Candle material | Wax or olive oil (most preferable) |
| Candle size | 0.4” diameter x 4.5” high |
| Candle colour | Various |
| Candle burn time | 30 minutes or 45 minutes |
| Candle placement | From right to left |
| Candle lighting direction | From left to right |
| Candle lighting time | After sundown or nightfall |
| Blessings | Three on the first night, two on subsequent nights |
| Blessing examples | Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah |
| Who should light the candles? | Everyone (men, women, and children) |
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What You'll Learn
Blessings and procedures
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold candles or oil lamps, with the ninth branch holding a "helper" candle, or shamash, which is used to light the other eight. The shamash must be offset on a higher or lower plane than the main eight candles.
On the first night of Hanukkah, only two candles are placed in the menorah: the shamash and another candle designating the first night. The first night's candle is placed in the rightmost spot, and each subsequent night, a new candle is added to the left of the previous night's candles. On the final night, all nine candles are lit. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left but are lit from left to right.
Before lighting the candles, it is traditional to recite blessings — three on the first night and two on each subsequent night. The blessings are as follows:
- Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. (Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who made us holy through your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.)
- Baruch atah, Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh. (Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season.)
- Baruch atah Adonai, elohenu melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu lazman hazeh. (Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.)
After reciting the blessings, the “new” candle for that night is lit first, followed by the remaining candles from left to right. It is customary to sing the hymn of Ma'oz Tzur afterward in unison.
The candles are typically lit shortly after sunset, or up to 30 minutes later, after nightfall. If there is a fire hazard, the candles can be blown out after 30 minutes. Olive oil is the most preferable fuel, although any type of oil or wax candles with a single wick may be used.
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Olive oil or wax candles
Chanukah is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the ancient miracle of oil. A nine-branched candelabrum called a Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is lit during the holiday. Eight of the nine branches hold candles or oil lamps, with one candle being lit on the first night, and an additional candle being lit each subsequent night. The ninth branch holds a "helper" candle, called the shamash, which is used to light the other eight.
There are differing opinions on whether wax candles or olive oil is preferable for the menorah. Some sources state that olive oil is preferable because it was the oil used in the Beit Hamikdash where the miracle occurred. However, if one cannot afford olive oil, wax candles may be used. Other sources claim that wax candles are preferable because they burn more brightly.
There are also differing opinions on the type of olive oil that should be used. Some say that edible, extra virgin olive oil is best, as other grades of oil may not be kosher. However, others argue that any brand or type of olive oil can be used, as long as it is olive oil.
It is important to note that all wicks and oils are kosher for Chanukah candles, even those that are unfit for Shabbat candles. This includes wicks made of cotton, hair, or silk, and oils such as castor oil or pitch.
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Candle placement
The Chanukah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum that is lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold candles or oil lamps, with the ninth branch holding a shamash, or "helper" candle, used to light the others. The shamash must be placed at a different elevation to the other eight candles, usually in the centre, and should be positioned in a way that shows it is not one of the Chanukah candles. The eight candles should be placed in a straight line, with a new candle added from right to left each night, and lit from left to right.
The menorah should be placed inside the house, with some sources suggesting it should be placed by the entrance to the house, and others suggesting it should be placed in a window facing the street to publicise the miracle of Hanukkah. In an apartment building, the menorah should be placed by the entrance to the building.
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Lighting order
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold lights (candles or oil lamps) that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday. The ninth branch holds a candle, called the shamash ("helper" or "servant"), which is used to light the other eight.
On the first night of Hanukkah, only two candles are placed in the menorah: the shamash, which has its own designated spot (usually in the centre), and another candle placed in the right-most spot. The shamash is lit first, and then used to light the other candle. On the second night, there should be two candles on the right, plus the shamash, and so on. Each night, another candle is added so that on the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, all nine candles are lit. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left (just as Hebrew is written) but are lit from left to right.
In Sephardi communities, an extra candle—not part of the menorah—is used to light the other candles, and then the shamash is lit last and the extra candle is blown out. In Ashkenazi communities, the shamash is the first candle lit, and it is used to light the others, starting with the left-most one.
The blessings are said before the candles are lit. On the first night, there are three blessings, and then two blessings on every night thereafter.
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Candle colour
Chanukah candles are typically made from either olive oil or wax. If wax candles are used, they must have a single wick. Basic Chanukah candles are a popular, affordable option for children, who can choose their favourite colours each night. These candles are often sold in packs of 45, with 44 candles required to be burnt during the festival and one extra included.
The candles are usually placed in the menorah from right to left and lit from left to right. The shamash, or helper candle, is placed at a different height and is used to light the others.
There are a variety of coloured candles available, including plant-based, paraffin-free options that burn for around 45 minutes. The pigments used in coloured candles are non-GMO, vegan, and REACH compliant, comprising less than 0.75% of the candle.
Handcrafted candles are also available, such as the Safed Candles, which are hand-dipped in the holy city of Safed and come in a range of jewel tones.
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Frequently asked questions
Chanukah candles are traditionally made from wax or olive oil, though any type of oil is acceptable.
Yes, there are traditional blessings that are recited before the candles are lit. On the first night, three blessings are recited, and on the remaining nights, the first two blessings are recited again.
Everyone should light their own Chanukah candles, including men, women, and children. If you are lighting a menorah with a roommate, the candles should belong to both of you.
On the first night, one candle is lit. On each subsequent night, an additional candle is lit, until all eight candles are lit on the final night. There is also a ninth helper candle, called the shamash, which is used to light the other eight.
The Chanukah candles symbolize the eight nights of the holiday and commemorate the miracle of Chanukah.
