Tyler Brooks
The lighting of the menorah is a key part of the Hanukkah celebration. The candles are typically lit at sunset or when the stars appear, though customs differ. For example, on Friday afternoons, the lighting of the Chanukah lights precedes the lighting of the Shabbat candles, and on Saturday nights, the order is reversed. The candles should burn for at least 30 minutes, and the menorah should be placed near a window, preferably to the left of the door. The shamash, or servant candle, is lit first and used to light the other candles, which are added each night of the eight-day celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of lighting | Sunset or nightfall (when the stars appear) |
| Timing flexibility | Can be lit anytime through the remainder of the night, provided household members are awake |
| Day of the week | On Fridays, the Chanukah lights are lit before the Shabbat candles, and before sunset |
| Location | In a place that facilitates publicizing the miracle to others, such as the entrance to the courtyard or by the door of the house if it can be seen from the street |
| Placement | The menorah should be placed on a table near a window, preferably to the left of the door |
| Direction | Work from right to left when placing the candles |
| Number of candles | One candle for each night of Hanukkah, plus an extra candle in the middle (shamash) used to light the others |
| Candle type | Any kind of fuel and wicks may be used, but olive oil is preferable as a reminder of the Chanukah miracle |
| Duration | Candles should burn for at least 30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
The ideal time to light Hanukkah candles
However, there are differing opinions on the ideal time to light Hanukkah candles. Some say that the candles should be lit 10 to 25 minutes after sunset, while others hold that they should be lit at Tzet HaKochavim, even if one usually lights at sunset. If one lights before sunset, or Plag Hamincha, they should relight at the proper time with a blessing, or bracha.
On Friday afternoons, the Chanukah lights are lit before the Shabbat candles. On Saturday night, customs differ, with some lighting the Chanukah lights after Havdalah, and others reversing the order.
The most important part of the Hanukkah celebration is the lighting of the candles, so it is important to ensure that they are lit in a place where they can remain for the duration of the celebration. The candles should be placed in a location that facilitates publicising the miracle of Hanukkah to others, even if no one else ends up seeing them. The candles should be lit while standing, if possible, and can be lit by anyone, regardless of age or gender.
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The number of candles to be lit
The number of candles lit on the Chanukah menorah must correspond to the night of Hanukkah being celebrated. For example, on the fifth night of Hanukkah, five candles are lit. On the first night, two candles are lit—one as the shamash, or "servant candle," and one for the first night of the holiday. On the second night, a candle is added, bringing the total to three. By the eighth and final night, all eight candles plus the shamash are lit. The shamash is lit first and is used to light the other candles.
The blessings are recited first, and then the candles are lit. The shamash candle is lit first, before the blessings, and is then used to light the other candles, working from left to right. The most recent candle is lit first.
The Chanukah lights 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, and on Saturday nights, customs differ. The lights should burn for at least 30 minutes, and there should be sufficient oil to ensure that they remain lit for at least this long.
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The placement of the candles
The placement of the Chanukah candles is an important part of the tradition. The menorah should be placed on a table near a window, ideally to the left of the door. The candles should be placed from right to left, with one candle for each night of Hanukkah, which is eight nights. An extra candle, known as the shamash or "servant candle", is placed in the middle and is used to light the other candles. The shamash candle is lit first, followed by the blessings, and then the remaining candles are lit, starting with the most recent candle.
The number of candles lit must correspond to the night of Hanukkah, for example, five candles on the fifth night. The shamash candle is also used to light the other candles. If using a big candle or olive oil, the menorah should be lit at sundown. Regular-sized candles can be lit at nightfall. The candles should be lit within half an hour of nightfall or sunset, depending on the custom followed, and there should be enough oil or fuel for the lights to burn for at least half an hour after nightfall or sunset.
The placement of the menorah and candles is important, as they must be lit and remain in a place that facilitates publicizing the miracle of Hanukkah to others. The Brisker Rav suggests placing the menorah at the entrance to the courtyard, while Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach suggests placing it by the door of the house if the door can be seen from the street.
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The type of candle to be used
The type of candle used for Hanukkah is called a Chanukah candle. These candles are traditionally placed in a candelabra, which is known as a menorah. The menorah has one candle for each night of Hanukkah, which is celebrated for eight nights, and an extra candle in the middle, known as the shamash, or "servant candle". The shamash is lit first and is used to light the other candles.
While it is technically incorrect to refer to the nine-branch candelabra as a menorah, this usage has become more acceptable over time. The candles are typically made of wax, but any kind of fuel and wicks may be used for Chanukah lights. It is preferable to use a fuel and wicks that burn nicely, and olive oil is especially favoured as a reminder of the Chanukah miracle. Virgin olive oil with a low acidity level is ideal, as it is most similar to the oil that was used in the Temple.
One should not light Chanukah candles in a vessel that will become black and smoky, such as clay or uncoated ceramic. If one does light in such a vessel, it should not be used a second time. Wicks can be reused as long as they still light and burn well. Once used for the purpose of a mitzvah, scrupulous people will not throw them out but instead burn them. Some save the wicks to be burned with the chometz before Pesach, reusing them for another mitzvah.
The size of the candles or amount of oil used will determine the best time to light the menorah. For those who use big candles or olive oil in their menorah, the candles should be lit at sundown. For those who use regular-sized Chanukah candles, the menorah should be lit at nightfall.
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The blessings to be recited
The blessings are recited first, and then the Chanukah candles are lit. The shamash, or "servant candle", is lit first and is used to light the other candles. The shamash is placed in the middle of the menorah, with the other candles placed from right to left.
The blessings are as follows:
The first blessing is recited only on the first night (or the first time lighting the Chanukah candles):
> "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."
The second blessing is recited on all eight nights:
> "Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light."
The third blessing is recited on all eight nights, but it differs depending on whether it is the beginning or end of the day:
> "Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this night [in the evening] / this day [in the morning]."
A fourth blessing is added if there is a new moon:
> "Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who creates the luminaries of the heaven, in His will."
The blessings are recited while standing, if possible, and can be performed by anyone regardless of age or gender. It is customary to give Chanukah gelt each night, and to light the Chanukah candles before the Shabbat candles on Friday afternoon.
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Frequently asked questions
The Hanukkah candles should be lit at nightfall, or when the stars appear. This is usually within a half-hour of sunset.
The latest time Hanukkah candles can be lit is when everyone in the household or group is gathered. However, some sources say that the candles should be lit within a half-hour of nightfall, while others say that they should be lit before people leave the marketplace.
The Hanukkah candles should be lit for at least 30 minutes. However, many will let the candles burn out by themselves.
