All About Hanukkah Candles

How to light them, where to place them and ancient traditions

The Hanukkah celebration consists of eight days and nights. Each night, one candle on the menorah is lit. The eight candles are a commemoration of the eight nights that the menorah in the Holy Temple burned after Greek rule was ousted.

Where and when to light the candles

Ideally, a menorah should be placed outside the doorway of the home, on the left side of someone entering. If this isn't possible, place the menorah in a window facing the street. This is designed to publicize the miracle and the celebration.

Hanukkah candles should be lit at nightfall. If possible, all family members should be present as each candle is lit for the celebration. Candles should be lit for at least 30 minutes- modern Hanukkah candles are designed to burn for exactly this amount of time. On Friday, the menorah should be lit before the sun sets.

How to light the menorah

Modern menorahs typically have nine branches. The ninth candle, called the shamus, is usually in the center and is higher than the others. The shamus is lit each evening and is used to light the other eight candles throughout the ceremony. Some menorahs have eight branches and a separate candle holder for the shamus.

On the first night of the Hanukkah celebration, place the first candle on the menorah's far right. Say the first night blessing and then light the candle with the shamus. On the second through the eighth nights, place the candles in order from the right and repeat the first night's blessing, followed by the subsequent blessings. Light the candles in order from the left to the right- the opposite order from which they are placed in the menorah.

Choosing Hanukkah candles

Today, Hanukkah candles are available on the market in almost any style and design. Some families choose to use elegant beeswax candles specifically designed for the menorah, but almost any candles will do. Menorah candles are traditionally simple and pale yellow or white in color.

Celebrating tradition

Jewish families usually develop their own rituals centered around the lighting of the Hanukkah candles. Some families play the Driedel game or sing traditional songs after the lighting, while others exchange gifts or have a family feast. Hanukkah is meant to be a joyful and miraculous time. The use of ancient blessings and rituals during and after the lighting of the candles brings a sense of tradition and history to this holiday celebration.

More informaion on Hanukkah decorations