Lighting candles is one of the essential observances on Hanukkah. Read on to know more on Chanukah candles.
Hanukkah Candles
Hanukah is a Jewish festival celebrated annually by Jews all over the world. One of the essential observances of the festival comprises of lighting the candles. Candles are lit by the Jews to commemorate the victory of Maccabees' soldiers over the mighty Syrian army and the miracle of the oil that lasted in the holy temple for eight days. Another reason for lighting them is in remembrance of the rededication of the holy temple of the Jews. Chanukah candles should be added to the menorah from right to left. Read on to know more about lighting the Hanukkah candles.
Lighting Hanukkah Candles
Requirements
- One Menorah
- Hanukkah candles
It needs to be remembered that the light coming from your candles should be displayed. Try to place your menorah on a location from where every one can see it, such as on the window or in an open door.
When To Burn
Light the Hanukkah candles at nightfall and allow them to burn for a span of 30 minutes at least. The only exception to this rule is going to be on Friday, due to the Sabbath. On this day, you have light the candles before sunset. You can let them remain lighted even when it grows dark, if you want.
Lighting The Menorah
Saying the Hanukkah blessings has the same importance as lighting the candles. There are three blessings that are recited before the lighting of the menorah. So, make sure you know the Hanukkah blessings before you begin to light the candles. As to the exact procedure of lighting the candles, check out the following lines for information.
- Place a candle in the menorah, starting at the far right, on the first night of Hanukkah. Light the central candle, Shamash, which is the service candle, and then light the other candle.
- Place two candles at he far right of menorah on the second day. Light the Shamash and then the other two candles using the lit Shamash
- Place three candles on the far right of the menorah on the third day. Light the three candles using an already lit Shamash. Put the Shamash back on the menorah and let it burn.
- Similarly, on every next night, the number of candles to be lit will get increased by one and the total number of candles will correspond to the number of Hanukkah night.
- On the final night of Hanukkah, which is the eighth night, candles are placed on all the eight slots of the menorah. All the eight candles lighted using the lit Shamash.
The candles should be allowed to burn until they go out on their own.
