Maddie James
Candles hold a significant place in Judaism, with candlelight often viewed as a reminder of God's presence. Candles are lit during Jewish holidays and on Shabbat, serving as a reminder that the occasion is holy and distinct from everyday life. They are also lit to commemorate special occasions and transitions, such as the celebration of Shabbat, which involves lighting candles at either end, and Chanukah, where candles are lit on the Chanukiyah each night. The lighting of candles is also associated with joy and is deeply intertwined with the Torah and its teachings. The Talmud, for instance, mentions the significance of the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, and its role in testifying to God's presence among the people of Israel. The act of lighting candles is a symbolic gesture, reminding Jews to embrace and cherish life and their loved ones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | A minimum of two candles are lit during Shabbat. However, many households have a tradition of lighting more candles, often one for each member of the household. |
| Candle type | Candles can be made of wax or oil. Specially-made Shabbat candles are available, but tea lights or regular candles can also be used. |
| Candle colour | White candles are customary, but this is not a strict rule. |
| Candle holders | Candles can be placed in candlesticks, glass cups, or taper holders. |
| Timing | Candles are lit before sunset on Friday evening, marking the beginning of Shabbat. The earliest they can be lit is 75 minutes before sundown, and they should not be lit after sunset. |
| Duration | Shabbat candles should be allowed to burn all the way down without being extinguished. They must burn for at least two to three hours or until the blessing over bread is recited. |
| Location | Candles are lit in Jewish homes or synagogues. During Hanukkah, the hanukkiah is traditionally displayed in a window. |
| Symbolism | Candles represent the human soul, God's divine presence, joy, holiness, and the transition from profane to sacred time. |
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What You'll Learn
The number of candles displayed
Shabbat
Traditionally, a minimum of two Shabbat candles are lit, as this number is believed to indicate that the candles hold a special purpose that one candle alone cannot serve. This number also represents the two instances of the commandment of keeping Shabbat in the Torah: "Zachor (remember) the Sabbath" (Exodus 20:8) and "Shamor (keep) the Sabbath" (Deuteronomy 5:12). However, some households have a tradition of lighting more candles, such as one for each member of the household.
Hanukkah
A Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum. Eight of the nine branches hold candles or oil lamps, and the ninth branch holds the shamash, or "helper" candle, which is used to light the other eight. Each night of the eight-day holiday, one more light is lit than the previous night, until the final night when all eight branches are ignited.
Yom Kippur
The number of candles lit during Yom Kippur is not specified in the sources provided. However, it is mentioned that candles are lit during this holiday.
Rosh Hashanah, Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot
The number of candles lit during these major Jewish holidays is not specified in the sources. However, it is mentioned that candles are lit prior to these occasions.
Yahrzeit (Death Anniversary)
The number of candles lit on the yahrzeit of close loved ones is not specified in the sources. However, it is mentioned that memorial candles are lit by Jewish families on this occasion.
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The type of candle used
For Shabbat, it is customary to light at least two candles, which can be made of wax or oil with a single wick. Specially-made Shabbat candles are available, which are shorter than regular taper candles and fit in a regular-sized taper holder. Tea lights are also commonly used, as well as neronim, which are candles in glass cups. It is customary to light white candles, but this is not a strict rule.
During Chanukah, a Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is used. This is a nine-branched candelabrum with eight branches holding candles or oil lamps, and a ninth branch for the shamash, or "helper" candle, which is used to light the others. The shamash is usually positioned higher or lower than the other eight candles.
Overall, the type of candle used in Jewish rituals is flexible and depends on personal preference, as long as it emits a stable flame.
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The timing of candle lighting
Shabbat
Shabbat is marked by the lighting of candles, with a minimum of two candles lit in each household. The traditional time for lighting Shabbat candles is during an 18-minute window just before sunset on Friday, which marks the beginning of Shabbat. However, some cities offer a larger window for candle lighting. For example, in Jerusalem, the window begins 40 minutes before sundown, and a siren is sounded throughout the city to alert citizens. The earliest one may light Shabbat candles is 75 minutes before sundown. It is important to note that after sundown, Shabbat begins, and no new flames can be kindled. The Shabbat candles are typically allowed to burn down completely and should not be moved or extinguished prematurely.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, involves the lighting of a special candelabrum called a Hanukkiah or Hanukkah menorah. This nine-branched candelabrum is lit over eight consecutive nights, with one additional light ignited each night until all eight branches are illuminated on the final night. The ninth branch holds the shamash, or "helper" candle, used to light the others. The timing of lighting the Hanukkiah is typically at sunset during each night of Hanukkah. The Hanukkiah is often displayed proudly in a window, symbolizing the Jewish identity and heritage.
Major Jewish Holidays
Candles are lit prior to major Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Passover, and Yom Kippur. The timing of candle lighting for these holidays may vary, but it is generally done before sunset on the evening preceding the holiday.
Memorial Occasions
Memorial candles are lit by Jewish families on the yahrzeit, or anniversary of a loved one's death, each year. The timing of this candle lighting is typically at sunset on the anniversary date.
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The duration of candle burning
When it comes to the duration of candle burning in Judaism, there are various considerations and practices to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to prioritize fire safety at all times. This includes never leaving any kind of candle burning unattended or when you are away from home. It is also recommended to keep candles away from flammable materials, drafts, and pets.
Now, let's delve into the specific duration guidelines for different candle-lighting occasions in Judaism:
Shabbat Candles
For Shabbat candles, it is considered ideal to use candles that will stay lit until after the Shabbat meal. At a minimum, one candle must burn until it is dark, allowing one to benefit from the light. However, some individuals feel hesitant to extinguish a Shabbat candle that is already burning.
Yahrtzeit Memorial Candles
Yahrtzeit memorial candles are lit to remember the deceased. The custom is to light the candle after sunset on the eve of the yahrtzeit, and it is kept lit until the year has passed since the soul's ascent is believed to take place over this period. If the yahrtzeit falls on Shabbat, the candle is lit before the Shabbat candles. Unlike Shabbat candles, there is no prohibition against relighting a yahrtzeit candle if it goes out.
Yom Kippur Candles
On Yom Kippur, candle divination was historically practiced to predict whether an individual would survive the year. If the candle burned through all of its fuel, it signified survival, while its premature extinguishment foretold otherwise. To avoid panic, it became customary to have all the candles lit in the synagogue, cared for by an impartial attendant.
Chaggim (Holidays)
On many Jewish holidays (Chaggim), the lighting of candles marks the transition from profane to sacred time. The type of candle used during these occasions can vary, including oil and wick, short or tall candles, and tea lights.
Practical Considerations
To ensure a longer and safer burning experience, proper candle care is essential. This includes trimming the wick before and during burning to maximize burn time and minimize risks. Additionally, using glass holders or containers can protect the flame from drafts and prevent dripping wax from causing fires or damaging surfaces.
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The symbolic meaning of candles
Candles have deep symbolic meaning in Judaism and are used on a wide variety of religious occasions. They are lit prior to every Shabbat in Jewish homes or synagogues before sunset on Friday evening. At the end of Shabbat, a special braided candle called the Havdalah is lit, in which the candle, or fire, represents the first work of the new week. The flickering of candlelight is thought to remind us of the precious fragility of our life and the lives of our loved ones.
Candles are also equated with joy in Judaism, drawing upon a passage in the biblical book of Esther, which finds its way into the weekly Havdalah ceremony. The Jews had light and joy, and gladness and honor (Esther 8:16). In Jewish tradition, the candle's flame is also thought to represent the human soul and serves as a reminder of the frailty and beauty of life. The connection between the candle's flame and souls derives originally from Mishlei (Proverbs) 20:27: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." נֵר יְהוָה נִשְׁמַת אָדָם חֹפֵשׂ כָּל חַדְרֵי בָטֶן. Like a human soul, flames must breathe, change, grow, strive against the darkness, and, ultimately, fade away.
Candles are also lit during Chanukah, on the Chanukiyah each night to commemorate the rededication of the Temple, when the oil that should have lasted just one night miraculously lasted for eight nights. They are also lit prior to major Jewish holidays such as Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot. Memorial candles, or Yahrzeit candles, are lit by Jewish families on the anniversary of a death or on major holidays to honour those who have been lost.
The Talmud points out that the menorah stood at a remove from the table. An earthly king retiring for the night would place the light on a table by his bed. The Talmud contends from scriptural evidence that in Solomon’s Temple, the windows of the building were wide on the inside and narrow on the outside, suggesting that the holy light of the sanctuary flowed out to grace the world. Thus, the true purpose of the menorah was to offer testimony to all humanity that God’s presence resided among the people of Israel.
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Frequently asked questions
Displaying a candle by the window during Hanukkah serves as a reminder to Jews and non-Jews that they are proud of their identity and heritage.
The candle is called a hanukkiah, which holds nine candles: eight for each night of Hanukkah and a ninth candle, the shammash, which is used to light the other eight.
The eight candles on the hanukkiah symbolise the miracle of a tiny flask of oil lasting eight days.
The type of candle used can vary, but it is customary to light white candles.
It is traditional to light the candles during the 18-minute window right before sundown.
