Jessie Taylor
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that involves lighting candles on a menorah for eight nights. The candles are typically lit just after sunset and should stay lit for at least 30 minutes before being extinguished. However, there are differing opinions on how long the candles should stay lit, with some saying they should be lit for at least half an hour after nightfall, and others suggesting they should stay lit for several hours, depending on how long people are typically out on the streets in the neighbourhood. The purpose of lighting the menorah is to publicise the miracle of Hanukkah, so it is customary to place the menorah on a windowsill or near a window where people outside can see it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum duration | 30 minutes |
| Maximum duration | Until they extinguish themselves |
| Lighting time | After sunset |
| Placement | Near a window, preferably to the left side of the door |
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What You'll Learn
- The minimum duration for which Hanukkah candles should be lit is 30 minutes
- The shamash candle is the first candle lit and is used to light the others
- The placement of the menorah is ideally near a window, visible to people outside
- The candles are placed right to left but lit left to right
- If a candle is still lit the next night, it must be extinguished and relit
The minimum duration for which Hanukkah candles should be lit is 30 minutes
The Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony holds significant importance in the Jewish tradition. It commemorates the miracle of Hanukkah and serves as a public display of the holiday's significance. The lighting of the candles is accompanied by traditional blessings and rituals, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.
The specific duration of 30 minutes for the candles to burn is rooted in practical considerations. Firstly, it ensures that the candles remain lit while people are still active outdoors. This aligns with the intention to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah and share the light with the community. Secondly, the 30-minute guideline strikes a balance between observing the tradition and addressing safety concerns. In certain situations, such as in dorms or other locations with fire hazards, it is permissible to blow out the candles after 30 minutes to mitigate potential risks.
It is worth noting that the type of candle used can impact the duration of the burn. Olive oil is the preferred choice, but any type of oil is acceptable. Wax candles with a single wick are also suitable, but they must be long enough to last for at least 30 minutes after the usual lighting time.
The Hanukkah candle-lighting tradition varies slightly between communities. In Ashkenazi communities, the shamash candle, also known as the "helper" candle, is lit first and used to light the other candles. In Sephardi communities, an extra candle is used to light the others, and the shamash is lit last. Regardless of the community, the candles are placed in the menorah from right to left and are lit from left to right.
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The shamash candle is the first candle lit and is used to light the others
The shamash candle is the first candle to be lit on a menorah during the celebration of Hanukkah. The shamash, which translates to "attendant" or "servant" candle, is placed in the middle of the menorah and is used to light the other candles.
The menorah is a candelabra with nine branches, one for each night of Hanukkah, and the shamash candle is the ninth candle. The candles are typically lit just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather, except on Friday nights when the candles are lit before sunset to comply with traditional observance. On Saturday nights, there are two customs regarding the order of events: some people perform Havdala first and then light the candles, while others light the candles first and then perform Havdala.
When placing the candles of the menorah, one starts from right to left, and the shamash candle is placed in the rightmost candle holder on the first night. Each subsequent night, a new candle is added to the left of the previous night's candles. The candles are then lit from left to right, with the newest candle being lit first using the shamash candle.
The candles should stay lit for at least 30 minutes before being extinguished, although some people may prefer to let the candles burn out completely. This duration is based on the interpretation that the lights should be visible at night while there are people in the streets to see them and publicize the miracle of Hanukkah. However, some authorities argue that the candles should stay lit for the entire duration that people are typically out on the streets, which could span several hours depending on the neighborhood.
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The placement of the menorah is ideally near a window, visible to people outside
The placement of the menorah is an important aspect of the Hanukkah celebration. The tradition of lighting the menorah commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight nights during the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Placing the menorah in a visible spot is part of the ritual, as it helps to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah.
Ideally, the menorah should be placed near a window, where it can be seen by people outside. This could be on a windowsill or a table next to a window. In the Jewish tradition, it is considered ideal to place the menorah to the left side of the door, which is the opposite side of the mezuzah, which is on the right side. This placement ensures that the menorah is visible to those passing by, whether they are on the street or in the building.
The placement of the menorah near a window is especially significant during Hanukkah, as the candles are meant to burn for at least thirty minutes, and some prefer to let them burn out completely. By placing the menorah in a visible spot, the light of the candles can be seen by others, even after nightfall. This act of publicizing the miracle is an integral part of the Hanukkah celebration.
While the ideal placement is near a window, there may be safety considerations, especially in university housing or dorms, where lighting candles in rooms may not be allowed. In such cases, alternative designated areas may be provided, such as the main lounge on each floor. It is important to follow safety guidelines while ensuring that the menorah remains visible to people outside.
The placement of the menorah near a window, visible to passersby, is a way to share the joy and significance of Hanukkah with the wider community. It is a reminder of the miracle of the oil and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish faith.
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The candles are placed right to left but lit left to right
The Hanukkah candle-lighting procedure is a sacred tradition in Judaism. The placement and lighting of the candles on the menorah follow a specific order and hold symbolic significance.
On the first night of Hanukkah, the candles are placed in a specific arrangement. The first candle is positioned on the extreme right side of the menorah, with each subsequent night's candle added to the left of the previous night's candles. This arrangement symbolises the continuous increase in light and joy with each passing day of the holiday.
However, when it comes to lighting the candles, the order is reversed. The candles are lit from left to right, with the newest candle being lit first. This tradition ensures that the newest candle, representing the current day, takes precedence and is honoured first.
The shamash, or helper candle, plays a crucial role in the ceremony. It is typically placed at a different height in the menorah to distinguish it from the other candles. The shamash is lit first, and its flame is then used to light the rest of the candles. This act symbolises the spread of light and joy, with the shamash facilitating the illumination of the other candles.
The lighting of the candles is accompanied by blessings and prayers. The shamash is lit first, followed by the recitation of the Hanukkah blessing. Then, the candles are lit from left to right, with the shamash being used to kindle each one. The lighting of the candles should last for at least thirty minutes, with some traditions encouraging longer durations.
The placement of the menorah is also important. Ideally, it should be placed outside the doorpost of one's home or in a window, allowing the light to be visible to others and spreading the joy of Hanukkah to the community.
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If a candle is still lit the next night, it must be extinguished and relit
The Hanukkah ritual involves lighting candles or oil cups placed inside a menorah, from right to left. The candles are typically lit just after sunset or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather. However, on Friday nights, the candles should be lit before sunset.
The candles should stay lit for at least 30 minutes before being extinguished, although some people prefer to let the candles burn out by themselves. The purpose of lighting a menorah is to commemorate and publicise the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight nights.
If a candle is still lit the next night, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 675:1) rules that it must be extinguished and then relit. This is because the mitzvah, or religious commandment, is to light the menorah, and leaving a candle burning from the previous night would not fulfil this commandment.
It is important to note that the Hanukkah candles are not to be used for any other purpose, including illumination in the house, and they do not need to burn all night.
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Frequently asked questions
At least 30 minutes. Some people prefer to let the candles burn out by themselves.
If there is a fire hazard, you can blow the candles out after 30 minutes.
The candles are typically lit just after sunset. On Fridays, the candles should be lit before sunset.
Ideally, the menorah should be placed in a window or by a door so that it is visible from the street.
You can use either wax candles or oil. If using wax candles, they should be long enough to last for 30 minutes.
