Tyler Brooks
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the victory of Jewish rebels over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the liberation and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday is celebrated for eight nights, during which a candle is lit each night, adding up to a total of eight candles by the final night. The ninth candle, known as the shamash or helper candle, is placed in the centre and used to light the other candles. The shamash candle is lit first, followed by the other candles from left to right, with the most recent candle being lit first. The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside the door, with the candles facing towards the street so that the miracle of Hanukkah can be publicized.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Just after sunset or when everyone is home, except on Fridays when it should be lit before sunset |
| Placement | On a table near a window or outside, preferably to the left of the door |
| First candle lit | The shamash or "helper" candle, which is placed in the centre or at a different elevation |
| Direction | Place candles from right to left, but light them from left to right |
| Number of candles | One candle for each night of Hanukkah (eight nights), plus the shamash |
| Order of lighting | Light the newest candle first, then the previous night's candle, and so on |
| Duration | Candles should burn for a minimum of 30 minutes, but many prefer to let them burn out |
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What You'll Learn
- Timing: light just after sunset, except on Fridays before sunset
- Placement: place the menorah near a window, or outside your door
- The Shamash: the 'helper candle' is lit first and used to light others
- Direction: place candles right to left, but light left to right
- Blessings: recite blessings after the Shamash is lit, before lighting others
Timing: light just after sunset, except on Fridays before sunset
The timing of the candle-lighting is an important aspect of the Hanukkah celebration. The lighting of the menorah is a sacred ritual, and the timing holds significance.
On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, the candles are lit just after sunset. This timing is important, as it symbolises the miracle of light overcoming darkness. The act of lighting the candles at sunset represents the start of a new day, and the triumph of light over the encroaching darkness.
However, there is an exception to this timing on Fridays. Due to the overlap of Hanukkah and Shabbat, the menorah is lit before sunset on Fridays. This is because, according to Jewish law, lighting a fire during Shabbat is forbidden. By lighting the menorah before sunset, the candles can continue to burn for at least thirty minutes after sunset, as is customary, without breaking Shabbat.
The lighting of the candles is a sacred act, and the timing is carefully considered to ensure the ritual is performed correctly. The candles are usually lit when all members of the household are present, and the menorah is placed in a window or near a window, so the light can be seen from outside.
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Placement: place the menorah near a window, or outside your door
The placement of the menorah is an important part of the Hanukkah celebration. The menorah is meant to spread light to others, so it is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside your door.
When placing the menorah in a window, it is customary to position it facing the street so that passers-by can enjoy the sight of the candles. This act of displaying the menorah publicly also holds a deeper significance. In moments of antisemitism, some Jews have chosen to place the menorah in a window as a brave act of defiance.
If you are placing the menorah on a table near a window, it is recommended to position it to the left side of the door. It is important to ensure that the menorah is placed in a safe location, away from active children and flammable materials.
The placement of the menorah in relation to the direction of lighting the candles is also worth noting. When lighting the candles, the correct direction is from right to left for your own view, even if it appears backwards to those outside. The lighting of the menorah is done for the person performing the ritual, and it is correct for them even if it appears reversed to those viewing it from the outside.
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The Shamash: the 'helper candle' is lit first and used to light others
The Shamash, or "helper" candle, is an important part of the Hanukkah menorah. It is the ninth candle, sitting in the centre or at a slightly higher or lower level than the other eight candles. The Shamash is lit first and used to light the other candles, and it is not blown out but left to continue burning alongside the other candles.
The Shamash is lit just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is gathered together. It is placed in the centre of the menorah or in a slightly raised or lowered position. The Shamash is then used to light the other candles, working from right to left, with the newest candle lit first.
The Shamash is an essential part of the Hanukkah celebration, symbolising the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days in the Temple in Jerusalem. The lighting of the Shamash and the other candles is a sacred ritual, bringing families and friends together to sing songs, give blessings, tell stories, play games, and eat special foods.
The Shamash is more than just a practical tool for lighting the other candles; it holds symbolic significance in the Hanukkah tradition. It represents the idea of spreading light to others and is often placed in a window or near a door to share its light with the outside world.
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Direction: place candles right to left, but light left to right
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of lights, commemorating the victory of Jewish rebels over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the liberation and "rededication" of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated for eight nights, and on each night, another candle is lit, so that on the eighth and final night, all nine candles are lit. The ninth candle, known as the shamash, or "helper" candle, is placed in the centre and used to light the other eight.
The shamash is lit first, and then the blessing is recited. The shamash is then used to light the other candles, starting from the left-most one and moving right. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left (in the same direction Hebrew is written) but are lit from left to right. On the first night, the candle on the far right is lit, on the second night, the candle second from the right is lit, and then the candle on the far right is lit again, and so on.
The menorah should be placed on a table near a window, and preferably to the left of the door. It is meant to spread light to others, so it is often placed in a window facing the street. The candles should be lit just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather. On Fridays, the menorah is lit before sunset to avoid lighting on Shabbat. The candles should stay lit for at least 30 minutes before being extinguished, although many will let the candles burn out by themselves.
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Blessings: recite blessings after the Shamash is lit, before lighting others
The shamash, or "helper" candle, is lit first and is used to light the other candles on the menorah. The shamash is placed in the centre of the menorah or in a raised position. The blessings are then recited. The shamash is then used to light the other candles, working from left to right, with the most recent candle being lit first.
The blessings are an important part of the ritual. The ancient rabbis believed it was important to publicise the miracle of Hanukkah, and so the menorah is often placed in a window facing the street. The blessings are an important part of this tradition.
There are differing opinions on the order in which the shamash should be lit. Some sources state that the shamash should be lit first, before the blessings are recited. Others suggest that the shamash should be lit after the blessings, and some sources suggest that it is acceptable to do it either way around.
The blessings are recited after the shamash is lit, but before the other candles are lit. The exact wording of the blessings may vary, but they are typically said while standing and can be performed by anyone, regardless of age or gender.
The candles are typically lit just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather. On Friday nights, the candles are lit before sunset to avoid lighting them during Shabbat. The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside the door.
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Frequently asked questions
Light the candles just after sunset, or when everyone in the household or group is able to gather. However, on Fridays, the candles should be lit before sunset to avoid lighting them during Shabbat.
The menorah should be placed on a table near a window, and preferably to the left side of the door.
The shamash, or "helper" candle, is lit first. It is then used to light the other candles, working from left to right. On the first night, there will be one candle lit in addition to the shamash. On the second night, light the candle second from the right, then the candle on the far right, and replace the lit shamash. On the eighth night, all candles will be lit.
The shamash is the ninth candle, which sits in the middle of the menorah. It is used to light the other eight candles, which represent the eight nights of Hanukkah.
Yes, it is permissible to move a menorah after it has been lit. The candles can be turned around after they have burned for at least 30 minutes.
