Brooke Martin
Hanukkah, a joyous eight-day celebration, involves a candle-lighting ritual each night. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left but are lit from left to right, with the newest candle lit first. The shamash, or helper candle, is used to light the others. However, there are differing opinions on the correct way to light the menorah, with various sources citing different approaches. Some say that the candle closest to the door should be lit first, while others suggest starting with the left-most candle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement of candles | Right to left |
| Lighting of candles | Left to right |
| First candle lit | Shamash (helper candle) |
| Number of candles | Eight, plus the shamash |
| Timing | After sundown, after dark |
| Location | Window, table, or outside the door |
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What You'll Learn
The shamash candle
The shamash is not a mitzvah candle, but it is important because it enables the other candles to be lit and fulfil their purpose. After the other candles have been lit, the shamash is not extinguished but is left to burn alongside the others. This is partly because it is forbidden to use the Hanukkah candles for any practical reason, so the shamash can be used if a candle is needed.
The shamash also carries a symbolic meaning. It represents the idea that each person has the potential to be a "helper" or "servant" to others, just as the shamash candle serves the other candles. This can be applied to the role of a teacher, who uses their skills to help others learn and grow.
In terms of the direction in which the candles are added and lit, there is a specific order. The shamash is lit first, and then used to light the other candles, starting with the left-most one. The candles are added to the menorah from right to left but are lit from left to right.
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Placement of the menorah
The menorah is traditionally placed in a window facing the street, on a table, or outside one's door. It should be positioned somewhere safe, away from children and flammable materials.
The menorah should have eight spots for candles—one for each night—and a ninth spot for the shamash or helper candle, which is used to light the others. The shamash is placed in a central spot, higher or lower than the rest of the candles.
On the first night of Hanukkah, a candle is placed in the holder on the far right of the menorah and lit with the shamash. The shamash is then returned to its spot, still lit. On the second night, the candle second from the right is lit, followed by the candle on the far right, and the shamash is replaced. This pattern is repeated each night, always lighting the newest candle first. By the eighth night, all nine candles are lit, starting from the far left.
The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but lit from left to right.
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Timing of candle lighting
The timing of candle lighting for Hanukkah is important. The menorah is lit just after sunset each night of Hanukkah. However, on Fridays, the menorah is lit before sunset to avoid lighting candles during Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. On Saturday nights, the candles are lit after sunset when Shabbat has ended.
On the first night of Hanukkah, the shamash, or helper candle, is lit first. This candle is placed in the centre of the menorah or in a spot at a different elevation. Then, the first night's candle, placed in the rightmost spot, is lit using the shamash. On the second night, the candle second from the right is lit first, followed by the candle on the far right. This pattern is repeated on each night of Hanukkah, always lighting the newest candle first. By the eighth night, all nine candles, including the shamash, are lit.
The blessings are said before the candles are lit. On the first night, three prayers are given: over the lighting of the candles, over the miracle of Hanukkah, and for a new experience. On the remaining nights, the first two prayers are recited. In Ashkenazi communities, the shamash is lit first and used to light the other candles, starting with the leftmost one. In Sephardi communities, an extra candle is used to light the other candles, and then the shamash is lit last.
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Direction of candle placement
The placement of candles on the Hanukkah menorah, or chanukiah, follows a specific tradition. The menorah should have nine spots for candles—one for each night of Hanukkah and an extra ninth spot for the shamash, or helper candle, used to light the others.
On the first night of Hanukkah, the shamash is placed in its designated spot, usually in the centre, along with another candle in the right-most spot. From the second night onwards, an additional candle is placed to the left of the previous night's candle, so that on the eighth and final night, all nine candles are lit. This process is also known as placing the candles from right to left.
The shamash is lit first, and then used to light the other candles. The newest candle, representing the current night, is lit first, which is the left-most candle. This can be understood as lighting the menorah from left to right.
There are differing opinions on the direction of candle lighting. Some sources suggest that the newest candle should always be lit first, regardless of its position, while others argue for lighting from left to right, starting with the left-most candle. Additionally, the placement and lighting direction can vary depending on the location of the doorway or the Mezuzah.
It is important to note that the candle lighting ritual may be adjusted on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate the Shabbat.
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Blessings and prayers
The Hanukkah menorah, or chanukiah, is lit after sundown, except on Fridays when it is lit before the Shabbat candles. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but are lit from left to right, with the newest candle lit first. The shamash, or helper candle, is placed in a designated spot, usually in the centre, and is lit first and used to light the other candles.
There are three blessings (or prayers) recited on the first night and two on each subsequent night. The blessings are said while holding the shamash, before the menorah is lit. The third blessing, Shehechiyanu, is only said on the first night, as it is a prayer of thanks for something new.
The blessings are as follows:
> Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
> Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in days of old at this season.
> Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
> Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot.
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Frequently asked questions
The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, with the first candle on the far right.
The shamash, or helper candle, is lit first. It is placed in the centre or at a different elevation from the other eight candles.
The candles are lit from left to right, with the newest candle lit first.
