Maddie James
Hanukkah, also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the triumph of Jewish people over religious persecution. It is customary to light a helper candle, called the shamash, as well as one candle on the first night, two on the second, and so on until all nine candles are lit on the final night. This means that 44 candles are required in total for a Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles needed for each night | 1st night: 2 candles (including the shamash) 2nd night: 3 candles 3rd night: 4 candles 4th night: 5 candles 5th night: 6 candles 6th night: 7 candles 7th night: 8 candles 8th night: 9 candles |
| Total number of candles needed | 44 |
| Number of candles on a menorah | 9 |
| Height limit for menorahs | 32 feet |
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What You'll Learn
The miracle of the oil lasting eight days
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration. It commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish rebels' victory over a tyrant king. The miracle of the oil lasting eight days is one of the reasons for this eight-day celebration.
The story of the miracle goes back to the Maccabean Revolt in the second century B.C. After reclaiming the Temple, the rebels wanted to rededicate it by resuming the performance of Temple rituals. One of these rituals was the lighting of the Menorah, which required pure olive oil. However, the Greeks had defiled almost all the jugs of oil, and the rebels could only find one cruse of pure oil, enough to light the menorah for a single day. According to the miracle, this small quantity of oil miraculously lasted for eight days, allowing them to make more oil and keep the eternal flame lit.
The miracle of the oil is not only celebrated through the lighting of the menorah but also through traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), which are deep-fried in oil. The number of candles lit on the menorah each night of Hanukkah also holds significance. On the first night, two candles are lit, with one additional candle lit each subsequent night. Finally, on the eighth night, a total of nine candles are lit, including the shamash, or the helper candle, which is used to light the other candles.
While the miracle of the oil is a popular explanation for the eight-day duration of Hanukkah, some scholars have questioned this interpretation. The oldest texts concerning the holiday make no mention of the miracle, and alternative explanations have been proposed. Some argue that the eighth day is celebrated for reasons unrelated to the oil miracle, while others suggest that the length of the festival is unrelated to the miracle altogether. Despite these differing interpretations, the miracle of the oil lasting eight days remains a central theme in the celebration of Hanukkah, symbolizing the resilience and triumph of the Jewish people.
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How to light the candles
Lighting the menorah is one of the most common Hanukkah traditions. The eight-day Festival of Lights requires 44 candles in total for each menorah you plan to light.
On the first night, place a candle in the holder farthest to the right. This candle represents the first night. Then, place the shamash—or "helper" candle"—next to it, to be used to light the other candles. On the second night, place a new candle where the first one was, and a second candle to its left. On the third night, place a new candle where the second one was, and so on, until you have nine candles on the eighth and final night.
Once the candles have been placed, light the shamash and recite a series of blessings. Then, use the shamash to light the other candles from left to right, so that you are always lighting the newest one first. On most nights, the menorah is lit at dusk, but on Friday nights, it is lit before sunset, when the Sabbath begins. On Saturdays, it is lit after sunset, when the Sabbath has ended. The candles should remain lit for at least 30 minutes.
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The number of candles needed for each night
Hanukkah, also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, is an eight-day festival that commemorates the ancient miracle of a day's supply of oil lasting eight days. To celebrate, a candle is lit on a menorah each night for eight nights, with an additional "helper" candle, called the shamash, which is used to light the other candles.
On the first night, two candles are needed—the shamash and one other. On the second night, you will need three candles, and so on, until the eighth night when you will need nine candles. This means that, in total, 44 candles are needed for Hanukkah.
The candles are placed from right to left, and lit from left to right, so that the newest candle is always lit first. The shamash is usually placed higher, lower, or off to the side of the other candles.
The blessings are recited first, and then the candles are lit. On Friday nights, the menorah candles are lit before sunset when the Sabbath begins, and on Saturdays, they are lit after sunset when the Sabbath has ended. The candles are usually left burning for at least 30 minutes.
The miracle of the oil is also celebrated through traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), which are deep-fried in oil.
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The significance of the shamash candle
The shamash candle, also known as the "helper" or "attendant" candle, holds a significant role in the Hanukkah celebration. The shamash is the ninth candle on the Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, which is a nine-branched candelabrum. While the other eight candles represent the eight nights of the holiday, with one more candle lit each night, the shamash is used to light these candles.
The shamash candle is set apart from the other eight candles, often placed at a different height, either higher or lower, or positioned to the side, in front of, or behind the other candles. This distinction symbolises the shamash's role as the "helper," serving the purpose of enabling the other candles to be lit and fulfilling their function in the celebration.
The shamash candle holds a deeper significance beyond its practical role. It serves as a reminder of the miracle of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorating the miracle of the oil lasting eight days. By lighting the shamash and allowing it to continue burning alongside the other candles, we preserve the sanctity of the mitzvah lights, ensuring they are not used for any practical purpose.
Additionally, the shamash candle holds a symbolic meaning for educators and leaders. It represents the idea that each person has the potential to become a "helper" or "servant", using their unique skills to serve others and positively impact their lives. This interpretation encourages individuals to emulate the shamash by sharing their knowledge and uplifting those around them.
The shamash candle is an integral part of the Hanukkah tradition, not only for its practical function in lighting the other candles but also for the symbolic and educational values it represents. Its presence on the hanukkiah distinguishes it from the menorah used in the ancient Temple, emphasising the unique significance of the Festival of Lights.
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Hanukkah's history and traditions
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple. The festival is celebrated for eight days and nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar (between November 28 and December 27 in the Gregorian calendar).
The history of Hanukkah dates back to the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The Syrian king, Antiochus Epiphanes, sent his soldiers to Jerusalem, where they desecrated the Temple and abolished Jewish practices. A Jewish resistance movement, led by the Hasmoneans (also known as the Maccabees), arose to fight against the Syrians. After intense battles, the Jews emerged victorious, leading to the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple.
The miracle of the oil lasting eight days is a significant part of the Hanukkah tradition. According to the Talmud, when Judas Maccabeus entered the Temple, he found only a small jar of oil that had not been defiled. This oil, which was only enough to burn for one day, miraculously lasted for eight days until new consecrated oil could be found. This miracle established the precedent that Hanukkah should be celebrated for eight days.
The main tradition of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah or hanukkiah, a candelabrum with nine branches. Each night, one additional candle is lit by the shamash (the unique candle used to light the others) until all eight candles are lit on the final night. The lighting of the menorah symbolizes the miracle of the oil and is a religious duty during Hanukkah. Other traditions include reciting blessings and hymns, such as Ma'oz Tzur, and eating traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and roast goose among Eastern European and American Jews.
In modern times, Hanukkah has gained increased popularity, especially in the United States. In the mid-19th century, rabbis Isaac Wise and Max Lilienthal worked to remake Hanukkah as a fun and engaging holiday, particularly for children, which helped Jews maintain their unique identity while also participating in winter festivities like Christmas. Today, Hanukkah is considered one of the most beloved Jewish holidays, full of light, joy, and family celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
Two candles are needed for the first night of Hanukkah, one as the shamash and one to represent the first night.
Three candles are needed for the second night of Hanukkah, including the shamash.
Four candles are needed for the third night of Hanukkah, including the shamash.
Nine candles are needed for the eighth night of Hanukkah, including the shamash.
44 candles are needed in total for Hanukkah.
