Ben Carter
Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the victory of Jewish rebels over the armies of Syria and the liberation of the Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday is celebrated by lighting candles on a menorah, with one candle for each night of the eight-night celebration. The ninth candle, known as the shamash, sits in the middle and is used to light the other candles. According to tradition, the candles should stay lit for at least 30 minutes, though many people prefer to let them burn out on their own. So, how long do Hanukkah candles typically stay lit, and what should you do if they go out too soon?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum duration of lighting | 30 minutes |
| Lighting time | After sunset or when stars appear |
| Number of candles | 44 per menorah |
| First night | Two candles are placed in the menorah |
| Subsequent nights | An additional candle is added each night |
| Final night | All nine candles are lit |
| Placement | In a window facing the street or near a window |
| Direction | Candles are placed from right to left but lit from left to right |
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What You'll Learn
The minimum duration for Hanukkah candles to stay lit is 30 minutes
The Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, is a significant Jewish celebration that commemorates the victory of Jewish rebels over the Syrian armies and the liberation and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The lighting of the menorah is a crucial aspect of Hanukkah, and it is important to understand how long these candles should stay lit.
The menorah holds a special significance during Hanukkah. It is customary to place one candle on the menorah for each night of the eight-day celebration. An extra candle, known as the shamash or "helper" candle, is placed in the centre and used to light the others. The shamash candle is lit first, followed by the other candles, starting with the left-most one and moving right.
It is important to note that the lighting of the candles is accompanied by traditional blessings and rituals. The blessings are recited before the candles are lit, and traditional Hanukkah songs may follow. The menorah is typically placed on a table near a window, preferably to the left of the door, allowing the light to be visible from the street.
In the event that the candles do not burn for the prescribed time, they should be relit immediately to ensure they burn for the required duration. Additionally, it is worth noting that the use of olive oil is preferable for the candles, although any type of oil is acceptable. Alternatively, wax candles with a single wick may be used.
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The candles are typically lit after sunset
The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is steeped in tradition and ritual. The candles are typically lit after sunset, but there is no fixed time. Some light the candles at sunset, some ten minutes after, and some at nightfall. The candles should be lit when the stars appear, and the evening prayers are recited, followed by the lighting of the candles. In Jerusalem, many follow the custom of the Vilna Gaon and light the candles at sunset, before the evening prayers.
The candles should burn for at least thirty minutes, and it is customary to ensure there is enough oil for them to burn for this duration. If the candles are lit at sunset, there should be enough oil for them to burn for at least fifty minutes—twenty minutes from sunset until the stars appear, and thirty minutes after.
On the first night of Hanukkah, two candles are placed in the Hanukkah menorah: the shamash, or "helper" candle, and another candle for the first night. The shamash candle is lit first and is used to light the others. On each subsequent night, another candle is added, so that on the eighth and final night, all nine candles are lit.
The menorah should be placed on a table near a window, preferably to the left of the door. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left but are lit from left to right. The blessings are said before the candles are lit.
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The shamash candle is the first one to be lit
The shamash candle, also known as the "'helper' or "servant" candle, is the first candle to be lit during the Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. It is placed in a designated spot on the Hanukkah menorah, usually in the centre, and is not part of the eight candles that represent the eight nights of the festival. The shamash candle is used to light the other candles, starting with the left-most one, and is then placed back in its spot, ready to "serve" if a candle blows out.
The shamash candle holds a special significance in the Hanukkah tradition. Historically, the shamash candle was created by rabbis to benefit the poor. While the Hanukkah lamps are intended solely for proclamation of the miracle of the season, the shamash candle serves as a reminder to share one's resources with those in need. As the shamash candle is lit, individuals are urged to consider their role in helping the poor, vulnerable, needy, and lonely.
The act of lighting the shamash candle also carries symbolic meaning. In Ashkenazi communities, the shamash candle is lit first and is used to light the other candles, one by one, on each night of Hanukkah. This ritual symbolises the progression of the festival, with an additional candle being lit each night. By the eighth and final night, all nine candles, including the shamash, are lit together.
The placement of the shamash candle on the menorah is also important. The shamash candle is set apart from the rest of the candles, reflecting its unique role. It serves as the "attendant" or "helper" candle, always ready to be of service if needed. The shamash candle is a reminder that even after its primary function of lighting the other candles is fulfilled, its presence remains essential to the ceremony.
The shamash candle plays a central role in the Hanukkah celebration, not only in its practical function of lighting the other candles but also in its symbolic significance. It embodies the values of sharing and caring for those less fortunate and serves as a reminder to spread light and joy during the festive season.
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The number of candles lit on the first night of Hanukkah is two
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated over eight nights. The number of candles lit on the first night of Hanukkah is two. This includes the shamash, or "helper" candle, and another candle to designate that it is the first night. The shamash is placed in the centre of the menorah, while the first night's candle is placed in the rightmost spot. The shamash is lit first and used to light the other candle, starting with the leftmost one.
The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but lit from left to right. The blessings are said before the candles are lit. In Ashkenazi communities, the shamash candle is lit first, and it is used to light the other candles. Three blessings are recited on the first night, and two on every night thereafter. 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.
The Chanukah lights should be lit when the stars appear. If one did not light them then, one may still light them through the remainder of the night, provided that the members of the household are still awake. The candles should burn for at least thirty minutes. If they did not burn for the prescribed time, one should relight them so that they burn as necessary. It is best to use sufficient oil to ensure that they remain lit for at least half an hour after the appearance of the stars.
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The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left
The Hanukkah menorah is a nine-branched candelabra, with eight branches for candles and a ninth for the shamash, or "servant" candle, which is used to light the others. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, reflecting the direction in which Hebrew is written, but are lit from left to right.
The shamash candle is lit first and used to light the other candles, starting with the left-most one. This is the candle representing the current night of Hanukkah. The shamash is placed in the holder that is slightly elevated to signify the Sabbath.
The menorah is usually placed in a highly visible location, such as a window facing the street, to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah. The candles are lit after sundown, once it is dark, with the exception of Friday evenings, when they are lit before sunset, while it is still light out, in accordance with Jewish law.
The candles should burn for at least thirty minutes, and it is considered an extra mitzvah (hiddur) if they last longer. If there is a fire hazard, or the candles cannot be left unattended, they can be blown out after thirty minutes. If the candles do not burn for the prescribed time, they should be relit and allowed to burn for the necessary duration.
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Frequently asked questions
The candles should stay lit for at least 30 minutes.
If the candles don't burn for the prescribed time, you should relight them so that they burn for the necessary amount of time.
You can use wax candles with a single wick, or olive oil is preferable, though any type of oil is acceptable.
The candles are typically lit just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather. On Friday nights, the candles should be lit before sunset.
On the first night, you should light two candles: the shamash, or "helper" candle, and another candle to designate that it is the first night.
