Ben Carter
The menorah holds great significance in Jewish culture and is used to commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah. The shamash, or helper candle, is placed in the centre of the menorah and used to light the other candles. The shamash is left burning, and if a candle accidentally goes out, it is okay to relight it. The menorah should not be moved while lit, and the flames should be kept within sight for safety reasons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | Eight candles for each night of Hanukkah, plus an extra candle in the middle, known as the shamash |
| Candle placement | Placed from right to left |
| Candle lighting | Lit from left to right |
| Timing | Just after dark each night of Hanukkah; on Fridays, the menorah is lit before dark to avoid lighting on Shabbat |
| Duration | Minimum of 30 minutes; an extra mitzvah (hiddur) for the candles to last longer |
| Safety | Keep the lit flames within sight; do not move the menorah while it is lit |
| Extinguishing | If a flame accidentally goes out, it is okay to relight it |
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What You'll Learn
The shamash candle
The shamash is set apart from the other candles on the menorah, typically placed in the centre or at a different height or level to distinguish it. Its purpose is to serve as the candle that lights all the other candles on the menorah. On the first night of Hanukkah, only two candles are placed in the menorah: the shamash and another candle designating the first night. The shamash is lit first, and then it is used to light the other candle, moving from left to right. This order of lighting symbolises that the newest night receives the newest light.
In some communities, there are variations in the lighting order. For example, in Sephardi communities, an extra candle is used to light the candles representing the nights, and then the shamash is lit last. However, the shamash candle's primary function remains unchanged—to illuminate and kindle the other candles, creating a warm and festive atmosphere during the celebration of Hanukkah.
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Lighting direction
The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table or outside your door. It should be placed somewhere safe, away from children and flammable materials.
The shamash, or "helper" candle, is lit first. This is usually placed in the centre of the menorah, or slightly higher or lower than the other eight candles, and is used to light the other candles. The shamash is lit before the blessings are said.
The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but are lit from left to right. The newest candle gets the light first, so on the second night, the candle second from the right is lit first, then the candle on the far right. This pattern is repeated each night of Hanukkah, until on the eighth night, all of the candles are lit, starting from the far left.
The menorah is lit at nightfall on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. On Friday night, the menorah is lit before sunset, and on Saturday night, after nightfall.
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Timing
The timing of lighting the menorah is important and depends on the day of the week and whether Hanukkah overlaps with Shabbat. On the first night of Hanukkah, only two candles are placed in the menorah: the shamash, or "helper" candle, and another candle that designates the first night. The shamash is placed in the centre of the menorah, and the first night's candle is placed in the right-most spot. The shamash is lit first, and then the other candle is lit using the shamash. The shamash is then placed back in its spot, leaving it lit. On the second night, the candle second from the right is lit first, followed by the candle on the far right, and the shamash is lit again and replaced. This pattern is repeated each night, always lighting the newest candle first. On the eighth night, all candles are lit, starting from the far left.
Hanukkah begins at sundown, and the menorah is lit after nightfall each night, except on Fridays, when it is lit before sunset to avoid lighting on Shabbat, and on Saturday, when it is lit after nightfall but after Shabbat has ended. The menorah should be lit at the earliest opportunity, ideally when there are people in the streets or another family member awake to participate. If no other household member is awake, the menorah can be lit without reciting the blessing. The candles should be left to burn for at least 30 minutes, and it is considered an extra mitzvah if they burn for longer. If there is a fire hazard, the candles can be blown out after 30 minutes.
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Placement
The placement of the menorah is an important part of the tradition. The menorah is meant to spread light to others and is traditionally placed in a window, on a table or outside your door. If placed on a table, it should be near a window, preferably to the left side of the door. The menorah should be placed in a way that ensures it is far from active children and flammable materials.
The menorah itself should be set up with eight holders for oil or candles and an additional holder, set apart from the rest, for the shamash or "attendant" candle. The shamash candle is usually placed in the centre of the menorah or in a raised position to distinguish it from the other candles. The shamash is the candle used to light the other eight candles. The eight candles of the menorah must be arranged in a straight, even line, with no candle higher than the other. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but lit from left to right.
On the first night of Hanukkah, a candle is placed in the holder on the far right, and lit with the shamash. The shamash is then put back in its spot, left lit. On the second night, the candle second from the right is lit, and then the candle on the far right, with the shamash being replaced again, lit. This pattern is repeated for each night of Hanukkah, always lighting the newest candle first. On the final night, all nine candles will be lit.
The menorah should not be moved for at least half an hour after the candles are lit. If a flame dies out during this time, it should be relit. After this time, the menorah can be moved if necessary, and there is no need to rekindle extinguished flames.
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Duration
The menorah is lit each night of Hanukkah, a festival that lasts for eight days. The lighting of the menorah commemorates the miracle of the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks, when there was only enough oil to burn for one day in the Temple, but the oil burned for eight days.
The shamash, or "helper" candle, is lit first and is used to light the other candles. It is placed in the centre of the menorah and is not part of the eight Hanukkah candles. The shamash is left lit and is replaced each night. The shamash candle is lit first before the blessings are recited. Then, the remaining candles are lit from left to right, with the newest candle lit first.
The menorah should be lit after sundown when it is dark. However, on Fridays, the menorah is lit before sunset to avoid lighting on Shabbat, when it is forbidden to light a fire according to Jewish law. On Saturday, the candles are lit after sunset when Shabbat has ended.
The standard Chanukah candles last for approximately 30 minutes. It is considered an extra mitzvah for the candles to burn for longer. If there is a fire hazard, the candles can be blown out after 30 minutes. The menorah should not be left unattended while lit and should be kept within sight for safety reasons. If a candle accidentally goes out, it is okay to relight it.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the menorah is usually lit just after dark each night of Hanukkah. However, on Fridays, the menorah is lit before sundown to avoid lighting on Shabbat. Some people light the menorah ten minutes or more after sundown.
The candles should be lit for at least 30 minutes. If you cannot stay with the candles for more than 30 minutes, and there is a fire hazard, you can blow the candles out.
The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside your door. It should be placed somewhere safe, away from children and flammable materials.
First, light the shamash candle (the helper candle) which is usually in the centre of the menorah. Then, use the shamash to light the other candles from left to right.
The candles should be kept lit for at least 30 minutes. If a candle accidentally goes out, it is okay to relight it.
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