Maddie James
The Hanukkah menorah is lit to commemorate the miracle of the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks, when oil that was only supposed to burn for one day ended up lasting for eight days. The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside a door, and the shamash, or 'helper candle', is lit first, followed by the other candles from right to left. While some sources say that the candles should burn out by themselves, others state that they should be left to burn for at least 30 minutes, or half an hour after sunset, before being extinguished.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum time to leave the Hanukkah candles lit | 30 minutes |
| Placement of the menorah | On a table near a window, preferably to the left of the door |
| Direction to place the candles | Right to left |
| Number of candles | One candle for each night of Hanukkah (eight nights) plus an extra candle in the middle (nine candles in total) |
| Candle lighting order | Light the shamash (ninth candle) first, then light the other candles from right to left |
| Timing for lighting the candles | Just after sunset each night of Hanukkah; on Fridays, light the menorah before sunset to avoid lighting on Shabbat |
| Blessing | A blessing is recited once the shamash is lit but before lighting the other candles |
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What You'll Learn
The minimum time for burning is 30 minutes
The lighting of the menorah is a significant tradition during Hanukkah, commemorating the miracle of the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks, when oil burned for eight days. The candles are lit at sundown, with the shamash, or "helper candle", lit first, followed by the other candles from right to left.
It is important to note that the minimum time for burning the Hanukkah candles is 30 minutes. This timeframe is considered significant, as it ensures that the candles remain lit for a meaningful period. While 30 minutes is the minimum, it is worth noting that some people may prefer to let the candles burn out completely. This longer burning is considered an extra mitzvah (hiddur).
The 30-minute minimum ensures that the candles are given the proper respect and attention during the celebration. It allows individuals and families to gather around the menorah, recite blessings, and reflect on the significance of the holiday. By letting the candles burn for at least 30 minutes, participants can create a sense of solemnity and appreciation for the miracle being commemorated.
Additionally, the 30-minute timeframe aligns with the traditional understanding of the mitzvah of lighting Chanukah candles. According to the Mitzvah, every household is expected to have at least one candle burning each night. By ensuring that the candles burn for a minimum of 30 minutes, households can fulfil this obligation with reverence and significance.
If you are unable to stay with the candles for an extended period or there are safety concerns, such as in a dorm setting, you are permitted to blow out the candles after the minimum duration of 30 minutes has passed. This flexibility ensures that individuals can participate in the tradition while also prioritising safety and practicality.
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Candles are lit at sundown
The tradition of lighting candles during Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days after the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks, when there was only enough oil to burn for one day in the Temple.
The Hanukkah menorah is lit just after dark each night of Hanukkah. The shamash, or "attendant" candle, is lit first, using a match, lighter, or another flame source. It is then used to light the other candles. The shamash is placed in the centre or raised in the menorah. The other candles are placed from right to left, with one candle lit on the first night and an additional candle lit each night. The newest candle is always lit first, followed by the previous night's candle, and finally, the shamash is returned to its spot, leaving it lit.
The candles should remain lit for at least 30 minutes, though many will prefer to let the candles burn out by themselves. According to the Gemara (Shabbos 21b), the candles should be left burning until there is no one left in the marketplace, which Rambam (Hil. Chanukah 4:5) identifies as being half an hour after nightfall. If there is a fire hazard, the candles can be blown out after 30 minutes.
The menorah is traditionally placed on a table near a window, preferably to the left of the door, and away from children and flammable materials.
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The shamash candle is lit first
The shamash candle is lit just after dark on each night of Hanukkah. On Fridays, the menorah is lit before dark to avoid lighting on Shabbat. The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside a door. It should be placed on the left side of the door, away from active children and flammable materials.
The candles should stay lit for at least 30 minutes before being extinguished, although many will prefer to let the candles burn out by themselves. It is considered an extra mitzvah for the candles to last longer. If you cannot stay with the candles for more than 30 minutes due to safety concerns, you can blow them out after this minimum duration.
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One candle is lit each night
The Hanukkah menorah commemorates the miracle of the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks, when oil that was only supposed to burn for one day miraculously burned for eight days. The menorah has one candle for each night of Hanukkah, which is celebrated for eight nights. There is an extra candle in the middle, known as the shamash, which is lit first and used to light the other candles.
On the first night of Hanukkah, place a candle in the holder on the far right, and light it with the shamash. Then put the shamash back in its spot, leaving it lit. On the second night, light the candle second from the right, then the candle on the far right, and replace the lit shamash. This pattern is repeated for each night of Hanukkah, always lighting the newest candle first.
The candles are lit at sundown and should remain burning for at least 30 minutes before being extinguished, though many will prefer to let the candles burn out by themselves. If you are unable to stay with the candles for more than 30 minutes, such as due to a fire hazard, you can blow them out after 30 minutes.
It is customary for everyone, including men, women, and children, to light their own menorah. If you are lighting a menorah with a roommate, the candles should belong to both of you.
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The menorah is lit after dark
According to Jewish tradition, the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah commemorates the miracle of the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks, during which there was only enough oil to burn for one day in the Temple, but the oil burned for eight days.
The menorah should be placed on a table near a window or outside the door, preferably to the left side, and away from children and flammable materials. The candles should be allowed to burn out by themselves, but if this is not possible, they should remain lit for at least 30 minutes. This is considered the minimum time for fulfilling the mitzvah of lighting Chanukah candles.
On Fridays, the menorah is lit before sunset to avoid lighting candles on Shabbat.
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Frequently asked questions
The minimum time for the candles to be left lit is 30 minutes. However, many people prefer to let the candles burn out by themselves.
According to the Gemara (Shabbos 21b), the candles should be lit at sundown and remain burning until there is no one left in the marketplace. Rambam (Hil. Chanukah 4:5) identifies this time to be 30 minutes after nightfall.
Leaving the candles to burn out is a way to be scrupulous regarding the mitzvah of lighting the Hanukkah candles. It is customary to have one candle on the first night and an additional candle every night, ensuring that every household has one candle burning each night.
The Hanukkah candles or menorah should be placed on a table near a window or outside the door, ensuring they are away from active children and flammable materials.
