Brooke Martin
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the successful rebellion of the Jewish people against the Syrians in 162 BCE. It also celebrates the reclaiming of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem by Judah Maccabee and his warriors. The miracle of a small amount of oil burning for eight days is honoured by lighting a candle for each night of Hanukkah, with the ninth candle, known as the shamash, being used to light the others. So, how many candles do you light on the first night of Hanukkah?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles to light on the first night | One menorah candle and one "helper" candle or shamash |
| Number of candles to light on the second night | Two |
| Number of candles to light on the third night | Three |
| Number of candles to light on the fourth night | Four |
| Number of candles to light on the fifth night | Five |
| Number of candles to light on the sixth night | Six |
| Number of candles to light on the seventh night | Seven |
| Number of candles to light on the eighth and final night | Eight |
| Placement of the shamash | In the middle or to the left side |
| Placement of the menorah | Near a window, preferably to the left side of the door |
| Direction of placing the candles | From right to left |
| Direction of lighting the candles | From left to right |
| Timing | After sunset or when everyone in the household is able to gather |
| Exceptions | On Friday nights, the candles should be lit before sunset |
| Duration | Candles should stay lit for at least 30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
The number of Hanukkah candles lit each night
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish observance that remembers the Jewish people's struggle for religious freedom. It commemorates the successful rebellion of the Jewish people against the Syrians in the Maccabean War of 162 BCE and the liberation and "rededication" of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The Hanukkah menorah, sometimes called a hanukkiah, has branches for nine candles—one for each night of the holiday, plus the shammash. According to Jewish law, the eight main branches must all be perfectly aligned, standing at the same height and in a straight line. They must be spaced far enough apart so that one candle’s flame doesn’t join with another’s. The ninth branch, which holds the shammash, should be higher, lower, or off to the side.
The candles are typically lit just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather, except on Friday nights when the candles should be lit before the sun sets to adhere to Jewish law, which forbids lighting a fire during Shabbat. The menorah should be placed on a table near a window, preferably to the left side of the door.
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The shamash, or helper candle
The shamash, also known as the "helper candle", is the ninth candle on the Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah. It is used to light the other eight candles, which represent the eight nights of Hanukkah. The shamash is typically distinguished from the other candles by being placed at a different height or offset to the side. The shamash candle is lit first, before the blessings are given, and is then used to light the other candles, working from left to right.
The shamash plays a crucial role in the Hanukkah celebration. It is the candle that brings light to the other candles, just as the miracle of the oil brought light to the Temple in Jerusalem. By lighting the shamash first, we acknowledge that God commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights and thank Him for the miracles shown to our ancestors.
The placement of the shamash is also significant. While the eight main branches of the menorah should be perfectly aligned and in a straight line, the shamash should be placed at a different height or offset to the side. This placement serves as a visual reminder that the shamash has a unique role in the Hanukkah celebration. It also symbolises that the shamash is not more important than the other candles, but rather, it serves to enhance their light and beauty.
The shamash candle is typically lit just after sunset or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather. The candles should burn for a minimum of 30 minutes before being extinguished, although some may prefer to let them burn out completely. The menorah should be placed on a table near a window, preferably to the left of the door, so that the light of the candles can be seen from the outside.
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The significance of the miracle of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is one of the most joyous festivals in the Jewish calendar. It is also known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated annually to commemorate the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek/Syrian forces of King Antiochus in 165 B.C.E.
The miracle of Hanukkah, also known as the miracle of the cruse of oil, occurred after the liberation of the Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. The miracle is described in the Babylonian Talmud, which was committed to writing about 600 years after the events described in the books of Maccabees. According to the Talmud, the Maccabees discovered a jug of pure oil that was enough to light the lamp for one day, but miraculously, it lasted for eight days. This miracle is significant because it allowed the Maccabees time to find more oil and properly rededicate the Temple.
The miracle of the oil is also referenced in the game played during Hanukkah, called the dreidel. Each side of the dreidel is imprinted with a Hebrew letter, which stands for "A great miracle happened there," referring to the miracle of the oil. The miracle of Hanukkah is also symbolised by the lighting of the menorah candles, which is one of the most common Hanukkah traditions. The menorah candles represent the miraculous oil that was found in the temple, and Jews light one candle on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah to commemorate this miracle.
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When to light the candles
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival that commemorates the victory of the Jewish rebels over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the liberation and "rededication" of the Temple in Jerusalem. The festival is celebrated by lighting candles on a menorah. The number of candles lit increases by one each night, so that on the eighth and final night, all nine candles are lit. The ninth candle, known as the shamash or "helper" candle, is used to light the other eight.
The best time to light the menorah is just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather. However, on Friday nights, the candles should be lit before sunset, and on Saturday nights, after sunset when Shabbat has ended. The menorah should be placed on a table near a window, preferably to the left of the door. The shamash candle is lit first, followed by the other candles, starting with the left-most one and moving from left to right. The candles should burn for at least 30 minutes before being extinguished, although some people prefer to let them burn out by themselves.
The lighting of the candles is accompanied by blessings. On the first night, three blessings are recited, and on subsequent nights, two blessings are recited. The blessings are said before the candles are lit.
If you are unable to light the candles at sunset, it is acceptable to light them when you return home. It is also permissible to light the menorah in the morning, but this is not considered ideal as the candles are not as noticeable during the day.
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The placement of the menorah
The menorah should be placed at least three handbreadths above the ground, but less than 10 handbreadths. If the menorah is placed higher than 20 cubits, or around 30 feet, it is considered too high and invalid. The candles should be placed in a single row, at equal height, with a space of a finger's width between each candle. The ninth candle, the shamash or "helper" candle, should be placed in the middle and used to light the other eight candles. The shamash candle is lit first before reciting the blessings, and then used to light the other candles, working from left to right.
In times of danger, such as the presence of hostile non-Jews, it is acceptable to light the menorah candles inside the home. The menorah should be placed on a table near a window, preferably to the left side of the door, so that it is visible to passers-by.
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Frequently asked questions
You light two candles on the first night of Hanukkah—the shamash, or "helper" candle, and another candle for the first night.
You will need a total of 44 candles for all eight nights of Hanukkah.
You light five candles on Thursday night, the fifth night of Hanukkah.
The Hanukkah candles are typically lit just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather. However, on Friday nights, the candles should be lit before sunset to comply with Jewish law.
The Hanukkah menorah should be placed on a table near a window, preferably to the left side of the door.
