Tyler Brooks
The length of time that menorah candles are left burning depends on the type of candle used and the day of the week. The candles are typically lit just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather. The exception is Friday, the start of Shabbat, when the candles should be lit before sunset as lighting the menorah is considered work, which should not be done after Shabbat begins. The candles should be left to burn for at least 30 minutes, after which they can be extinguished if necessary. However, many people prefer to let the candles burn out on their own.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long menorah candles are left lit | Minimum of 30 minutes after sunset |
| When the candles are lit | Each of the eight nights of Chanukah |
| When the candles are lit on Friday | Before sunset |
| When the candles are lit on Saturday | After nightfall |
| When the candles are lit on other days | After nightfall |
| When the candles are lit if no other household member is awake | Without reciting the blessing |
| When the candles are lit if you have to leave the house | For at least 30 minutes after sunset, then they are extinguished |
| How long the candles last | 30 minutes (standard Chanukah candles) |
| How long the candles last | 2 hours (oil candles) |
| How long the candles last | 1 hour (wax candles) |
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What You'll Learn
Candles should burn for at least 30 minutes
The lighting of the menorah is a central ritual of Chanukah, also known as Hanukkah. The menorah symbolises the miracle that occurred when Jewish fighters, the Maccabees, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Syrian-Greek emperor Antiochus. When the Jews wished to light the Temple's menorah, they discovered that the Greeks had contaminated almost all the oil. Yet, the small amount of pure oil they had lasted eight days, which is why the festival of Chanukah is celebrated for eight nights.
The menorah is lit at nightfall on each of the eight nights of Chanukah, with blessings said and another candle added each night. The ninth candle, known as the shamash or "attendant" candle, is lit first and used to light the other eight. The shamash candle is placed in the middle or slightly higher than the other candles and is often made of beeswax.
The candles should burn for at least 30 minutes. If using standard Chanukah candles, which last around 30 minutes, it is best to light the menorah after nightfall each night. However, on Friday night, the menorah should be lit before sunset as Friday night is the start of Shabbat, the day of rest. On Saturday night, the menorah is lit after nightfall again. If you are using wax candles on Friday night, they should be tall enough to last around 30 minutes after sunset. If you need to leave the house, ensure the candles have burned for at least 30 minutes after sunset before extinguishing them for safety.
If you are using an oil menorah, the duration of the candles will depend on the wick and cup size. Oil candles can burn for up to 16 hours, but you may choose to blow them out after 30 minutes if you need to leave the house. It is ideal to let the candles burn out on their own, but if this poses a danger, you can extinguish them after the minimum burn time of 30 minutes.
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They should be lit after nightfall
The lighting of the menorah is a central ritual of Hanukkah, which is celebrated for eight nights. The menorah should be lit after nightfall, and the candles should be allowed to burn out by themselves. However, if you need to leave the house, it is acceptable to extinguish the candles after they have burned for at least 30 minutes. This is also the minimum amount of time the candles should be left lit on Shabbat.
On Friday night, the menorah is lit before sunset, as Friday night is the start of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. Lighting the menorah is considered work, which should not be done after Shabbat begins. On Saturday night, the menorah is lit after nightfall.
The shamash, or "attendant" candle, is lit first and used to light the other candles. It is placed in the middle of the menorah, which has nine branches. The shamash is usually left lit, even after the other candles have been kindled, and can be used if a candle blows out. This is because it is forbidden to use the Chanukah lights for any practical purpose.
The lighting of the menorah symbolises the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight nights when the Maccabees, Jewish fighters in ancient Judea, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The miracle occurred when the Jews discovered that the Greeks had contaminated virtually all the oil.
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On Fridays, candles are lit before sunset
The lighting of the menorah is a sacred ritual in Judaism. The Chanukah menorah, also known as a Hanukkiah, has nine branches, while the traditional menorah has seven. The ninth branch of the Chanukah menorah is reserved for the shamash, or "attendant" candle, which is used to light the other candles.
The lighting of Shabbat candles is a rabbinically mandated law, and it is customary to light a minimum of two candles in each household. The number of candles can vary, however, with some adding a new candle for each child born. The candle-lighting ritual is usually performed by the woman of the household, but every Jew is obligated to either light or ensure that candles are lit on their behalf.
The Shabbat candles are lit to dignify the Sabbath, and to create an appropriate environment, as before the advent of electric lighting, it would otherwise be dark. The Talmud records that lighting Shabbat candles is a mitzvah, or commandment, and blessings are said before or after the lighting, depending on the rite being followed.
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Candles should be lit in the presence of family
The lighting of the menorah is a sacred tradition in Judaism, and it is important to follow certain customs to ensure the ritual is performed correctly. One of the key aspects of this tradition is the presence of family during the lighting of the candles.
The menorah is typically lit by the head of the household while the other family members gather around. This creates an opportunity for families to come together and participate in the ritual as a unit. The presence of family is significant as it fosters a sense of unity and strengthens the bond between loved ones. It also serves as a means to pass down traditions and stories to the younger generation, ensuring the continuity of cultural and religious heritage.
The shamash candle, also known as the "attendant" or "helper" candle, holds a special role in the ceremony. It is lit first and used to light the other candles. The shamash is placed in a central position, elevated above the other eight candles, symbolising its unique function. After lighting the shamash, the family members recite blessings and give thanks. This collective act of gratitude reinforces the spiritual connection within the family.
The lighting of the menorah is not just a solitary act but a communal one. The presence of family adds to the joy and significance of the occasion. It is a time for families to unite, share stories, sing songs, and celebrate their cultural identity. By involving the entire family, the ritual becomes a cherished memory for both the older and younger generations.
While the menorah is traditionally lit after nightfall, there is an exception on Friday nights. As Friday night marks the beginning of Shabbat, the day of rest, the menorah must be lit before sunset, as lighting it after sunset constitutes work, which is forbidden during Shabbat. This exception highlights the adaptability of the ritual to accommodate the varying circumstances of different days.
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They should be left to burn out on their own
The tradition of lighting a menorah is a central ritual of the Jewish celebration of Chanukah, also known as Hanukkah. The menorah symbolises the miracle that occurred when the Maccabees, Jewish fighters in ancient Judea, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Greek armies.
The menorah is lit at nightfall on each of the eight nights of Chanukah. On the first night, one candle is lit, and on each subsequent night, another candle is added, so that on the final night, all eight candles are burning. The ninth candle, known as the shamash or "attendant" candle, is used to light the other eight and is placed in the centre or slightly higher or lower than the others.
It is considered important to let the candles burn out on their own. This is because it is forbidden to use the Chanukah lights for any practical purpose, so the shamash is left lit and ready to "serve" in case another candle blows out. This preserves the sanctity of the mitzvah lights.
If you have to leave the house, it is recommended that you time it so that the candles burn for at least 30 minutes after being lit. If it is Shabbat, or if you are unable to stay with the candles until they burn out, you should use long-lasting candles and ensure they burn for at least 30 minutes after sunset before extinguishing them for safety reasons.
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Frequently asked questions
It is customary to let the candles burn out on their own. The minimum time they should be left lit is 30 minutes after sunset.
If you need to leave the house, you should time it so that the candles burn for at least 30 minutes after you have lit them. If you are leaving the house for a long period, extinguish the candles for safety.
On Shabbat, use long-lasting candles and make sure they burn for at least 30 minutes after sunset.
Standard Chanukah candles last approximately 30 minutes.
The duration of an oil menorah candle depends on how well the wick is absorbing the oil. They can last anywhere from 3 to 16 hours.
