Tyler Brooks
The number of candles lit during Hanukkah depends on the day. The menorah is traditionally lit shortly after sunset, though some communities wait until after nightfall. Blessings are recited before the candles are lit. On the first night, three blessings are recited, and the first candle is lit from the left. On the second night, the first two candles from the left are lit, and so on. The tallest candle, usually in the middle, is lit every night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Candles | 9 |
| Time of Lighting | Shortly after sunset or after nightfall (30 minutes after sunset) |
| Order of Lighting | The tallest candle in the middle is lit first, followed by the first on the left on the first day, then the two on the left on the second day, and so on. |
| Blessings | Recited before lighting the candles; there are specific blessings for the first night or the first time lighting the candle during Chanukah |
| Day Start Time | In Jewish culture, the day begins at evening |
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What You'll Learn
Blessings before candle lighting
The custom of many communities is to light the menorah shortly after sunset. In other communities, the menorah is kindled after nightfall (approximately thirty minutes after sunset). The blessings are always recited first, and then the candles are lit.
Shabbat Blessings
"בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ, מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת". This translates to "Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of time and space. You hallow us with Your mitzvot and command us to kindle the lights of Shabbat".
"בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדֹנָ-י אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ ָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁ". This translates to "Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat".
Hanukkah Blessings
"בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בִּזְּמַן הַזֶּה". This translates to "Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time".
"בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לִזְּמַן הַזֶּה". This translates to "Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion". This blessing is only recited on the first night.
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Candles lit after sunset
The number of candles lit varies depending on the occasion and the associated customs. For instance, during Hanukkah, the custom in many communities is to light the menorah shortly after sunset. The menorah has nine candles in total, and the number of candles lit each night corresponds to the day of Hanukkah. For example, on the sixth day, the tallest candle, usually in the middle, is lit along with six others from left to right. The blessings are recited first, and then the candles are lit. However, it is considered a desecration of Shabbat to light candles after sunset, and the designated time for lighting Shabbat candles is 18 minutes before sunset.
In the context of funeral traditions, candles are often lit after sunset to commemorate the life of the deceased and provide comfort to the bereaved. The lighting of candles can be a meaningful way to honour the memory of a loved one and bring a sense of warmth and peace to those in mourning.
Additionally, candle-lighting rituals hold significance in various religious and spiritual traditions. For example, in some spiritual practices, candles may be lit after sunset to create a sacred space, invoke a sense of calm, or set intentions for meditation or prayer. The number of candles lit can vary depending on the specific tradition or the individual's personal practice.
In certain cultures, lighting candles after sunset may also be associated with specific holidays or rituals. For instance, in some Latin American cultures, candles are lit during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations to honour and remember deceased loved ones. The warm glow of the candles is believed to guide the spirits of the departed back to their earthly homes.
Overall, the act of lighting candles after sunset holds different meanings and significance depending on the context and cultural or religious traditions being followed. Whether it is for religious observances, spiritual practices, or commemorative events, the soft glow of candles lit after sunset can create an atmosphere of reverence, reflection, and solemnity.
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Number of candles for each night
The number of candles lit each night depends on the occasion and the traditions of the community. For example, during Hanukkah, a menorah is lit each night. The menorah has nine candles in total, and the number of candles lit each night varies. The custom in many communities, including the Chabad-Lubavitch community, is to light the menorah shortly after sunset. In other communities, the menorah is lit after nightfall, approximately thirty minutes after sunset.
On the first night of Hanukkah, the first candle is lit, and the blessing is recited:
> "Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion."
On the second night, two candles are lit from left to right, with the tallest candle in the middle also being lit each night. This continues for the first seven nights, with an additional candle lit each night. On the eighth night, all candles are lit, and the eighth day of Hanukkah starts, ending at sundown on the ninth day.
For Shabbat, candles must be lit before sunset, and the lighting times are listed as 18 minutes before sunset.
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Customs of different communities
Customs involving candles vary across different communities. For instance, the use of candles during Christmas is a custom that spans many cultures and generations. The tradition of using candles during the Christmas season dates back centuries, symbolising the light and warmth that the holiday brings. In Germany, the Advent Wreath involves lighting a candle on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The wreath is made from evergreen branches and holds four candles, symbolising hope, peace, joy, and love. In Ireland, it is customary to place a single lit candle in the window on Christmas Eve. This tradition dates back to when Catholicism was suppressed in the country, and the candle served as a secret sign to priests that they were welcome to perform Mass in that home. In the French city of Lyon, a festival of lights is held every year in early December, where residents place candles in their windows to honour the Virgin Mary. In Poland, families gather on Christmas Eve for a special meal known as Wigilia, where a lit candle is placed in the centre of the table to symbolise the presence of Jesus Christ. In Greece, locals traditionally decorate boats with lights and candles during the Christmas season.
In Jewish communities, the use of candles during Shabbat and Hanukkah is also prevalent. For Shabbat, Jewish law requires only one candle to be lit, but the most prevalent custom is lighting two flames. Shabbat traditions vary from community to community, and sometimes from family to family. For Hanukkah, Jewish families celebrate by lighting a special Hanukkah menorah, which has holders for eight candles, one for each day of celebration, plus a ninth "server" candle used to light the others. The custom of many communities is to light the menorah shortly after sunset, while others kindle it after nightfall. During Hanukkah, the candles are placed in right to left and lit from left to right, with the number of candles increasing by one each night until the eighth night when all are lit.
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Shabbat candle lighting times
The lighting of candles is a sacred practice in the Jewish faith. Shabbat candle lighting times are calculated as 18 minutes before sunset. However, it is important to note that the lighting should not be delayed until the last minute. The Jewish day begins at sunset, and the candles must be lit before sunset. In some communities, the custom is to light the menorah shortly after sunset, while others wait until approximately thirty minutes after sunset.
The blessings are recited before the candles are lit. The second blessing is:
> "Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time."
The third blessing is only recited on the first night:
> "Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion."
On Thursday night, five candles are lit, and the shamash, or helper candle, makes six. On the first night of Chanukah, the first candle is lit, and the eighth candle is lit on the first day, which ends at sundown on the second day.
For example, in New York City, the Shabbat candle lighting time for July 3, 2025, was 8:12 PM on Friday.
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Frequently asked questions
One candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah.
Two candles are lit on the second night of Hanukkah.
Four candles are lit on the fourth night of Hanukkah.
Seven candles are lit on the seventh night of Hanukkah.
Yes, blessings are recited before lighting the candles. There is a special blessing for the first night of Hanukkah.
