Tyler Brooks
The lighting of the Chanukah menorah, also known as a Hanukkiah, is a ritual that follows specific steps that differ slightly each of the eight nights of Chanukah. The menorah can be placed in a window, on a table, or outside a door, and is traditionally lit after sundown each night of Chanukah. However, on Friday nights, the menorah is lit before sunset to avoid lighting it on Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. The shamash, or helper candle, is lit first using a match or lighter, and is then used to light the other candles from left to right.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 8 candles plus 1 helper candle |
| Direction of placement | From right to left |
| Direction of lighting | From left to right |
| Type of candles | Wax or oil-fueled |
| Timing | After sundown, but before Shabbat begins on Friday |
| Duration | At least 30 minutes, up to 1.5 hours on Friday |
| Position | In a window, preferably on the left side of a doorway |
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The shamash candle
The Chanukah menorah is lit each night of the eight-day holiday, with one more light added than the previous night. The shamash candle is always lit first and used to light the others, so it serves an important function. The Chanukah lights can be candle flames or oil-fueled, but real flames are preferred to fulfil the mitzvah. The shamash candle is an important part of the Chanukah tradition and has a special role in the lighting of the menorah.
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Placement of the menorah
The placement of the menorah during Chanukah holds cultural and religious significance. The menorah, also known as the Hanukkah menorah or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum that is lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Chanukah. The ideal placement of the menorah is at the entrance of the house, either outside to the left or on a shelf near the entrance, to publicly display the Chanukah miracle and identify the home as Jewish. This tradition dates back to the historical prevalence of antisemitism, when displaying the menorah outdoors could be unsafe.
The menorah holds eight candles, one for each night of Chanukah, and an extra ninth candle called the shamash, or helper candle, which is used to light the others. The shamash is placed at a different elevation than the other candles, usually in the centre. The first night's candle is placed in the rightmost spot, and on each subsequent night, another candle is added to its left, so that by the eighth and final night, all nine candles are lit.
There are differing customs regarding the placement and lighting of the menorah. Some light the candles at sunset, while others wait about ten minutes or half an hour after sunset, or until after the evening service is recited. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left but are lit from left to right, with the shamash candle being lit first and used to light the others.
In some communities, the menorah is placed inside the house near the entrance or on a table, or in a window facing the street, to allow passersby to enjoy the sight of the candles and share in the miracle of Chanukah.
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Timing
The timing of lighting the Chanukah menorah is just after sunset each night of the eight-day festival. However, on Friday night, the menorah is lit before sunset, as lighting the menorah is forbidden during Shabbat, the day of rest. On Saturday night, the candles are lit after sunset, once Shabbat is over.
The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but lit from left to right. The shamash, or "helper" candle, is lit first, using a match, lighter, or another flame source. It is then used to light the other candles, starting with the leftmost one. The blessings are said before the candles are lit.
The Chanukah lights should be real flames fuelled by wax or oil, with olive oil being the ideal fuel. Cotton wicks are preferred for the smooth flame they produce. The candles should be allowed to burn out by themselves, and should not be used for any practical purpose. If they need to be extinguished, this should be done no later than half an hour before dawn.
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Direction of lighting
The direction in which Chanukah candles are lit depends on the specific custom being followed.
Lighting the Shamash
The Shamash candle, also known as the "helper" or "attendant" candle, is lit first and used to light the other candles. It is placed in the centre or on an elevated ninth branch of the menorah.
Lighting the Other Candles
On the first night of Chanukah, the first candle is placed in the right-most spot and lit using the Shamash. On the second night, the candle second from the right is lit first, followed by the right-most candle. This pattern continues each night, always lighting the newest candle first. By the eighth night, all nine candles are lit, with the Shamash lighting the other eight.
Some sources suggest that the candles should be lit from left to right, acknowledging the new candle representing the new night of Chanukah before the others. However, others suggest that the left-most candle should be lit first, especially if it is within a Tefach of the door, even if it is not the newest candle. This is based on the guiding principle of never passing one's hand past a candle without lighting it, as it would constitute passing up an opportunity to perform a Mitzvah.
Placement of the Chanukiah
The Chanukiah, or menorah, is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside the door. It is considered preferable to place it in a window to the left of the door, opposite the Mezuzah, so that the family is surrounded by Mitzvot (commandments) as they celebrate Chanukah.
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Blessings
On the first night of Chanukah, the shamash or "helper" candle is lit first, and it is used to light the other candles. The shamash candle is placed in the centre or slightly higher than the other candles. In Ashkenazi communities, the shamash is lit first, while in Sephardi communities, an extra candle is used to light the others, and the shamash is lit last. The shamash is never extinguished and is left burning in case another candle blows out.
The blessings are said before the candles are lit. On the first night, the candle is placed in the leftmost position, and on subsequent nights, the candles are put to the right of the previous night's candle and lit from right to left. This is to acknowledge the new candle representing the new night of Chanukah before the others. However, some sources suggest that the candle closest to the door should be lit first, even if it is not the newest candle.
The menorah should be placed in a window, on a table, or outside the door to spread light to others. It is also customary to place it in a window facing the street or to the left of the door, opposite the mezuzah, so that the family is surrounded by commandments as they celebrate.
The Chanukah lights can be candle flames or oil-fueled, but an oil menorah is preferable as the miracle of Chanukah occurred with olive oil. Cotton wicks are preferred for the smooth flame they produce, and the ideal fuel is olive oil.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chanukah menorah is lit from left to right. The shamash candle, placed in the centre or slightly higher than the others, is lit first and used to light the others.
The candles are lit just after dark each night of Chanukah. On Fridays, the candles are lit before sunset as Friday night is Shabbat, or the day of rest.
The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside a door. It should be placed to the left of the door, opposite the mezuzah on the right side.
