As the festival of lights, Hanukkah is a time-honored Jewish tradition celebrated by lighting the menorah each night for eight nights. Understanding how to light Hanukkah candles properly is crucial to following this beautiful and meaningful custom. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you light the Hanukkah candles with reverence and joy:
Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin lighting the Hanukkah candles, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. This includes:
- Menorah
- Candles (usually 44 candles, 36 for each night plus the Shamash)
- Matches or a lighter
Understanding the Menorah
The menorah, a special candelabra, holds the Hanukkah candles. Traditionally, it has nine branches – one for each night of Hanukkah plus the Shamash (helper candle) used to light the other candles. The Shamash is usually placed at a different height or in the center of the menorah to distinguish it from the other candles.
Lighting the Hanukkah Candles
Lighting the Hanukkah candles is a simple yet symbolic ritual. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Place the Menorah
Set up the menorah in a central location, such as a windowsill facing the street or a table in your home. Make sure it is stable and won’t tip over while lighting the candles.
2. Arrange the Candles
Place the candles in the menorah from right to left, starting with the candle closest to you. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit. On each subsequent night, an additional candle is added from right to left.
3. Light the Shamash
Before lighting the Hanukkah candles, use the Shamash to light the other candles. Hold it slightly above the first candle, recite the blessings, and then use it to light the remaining candles from left to right.
4. Recite the Blessings
As you light the candles, recite the appropriate blessings. The first two blessings are said every night, while the third blessing is only recited on the first night of Hanukkah. The blessings are as follows:
- Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.) - Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she’asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim haheim bazeman hazeh.
(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.) - Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu v’kiyemanu v’higi’anu laz’man hazeh.
(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.)
5. Display the Menorah
After lighting the candles and saying the blessings, display the menorah in a prominent place where it can be seen by others. The Hanukkah candles should remain lit for at least 30 minutes after nightfall.
Additional Hanukkah Customs
In addition to lighting the candles, there are several other customs associated with Hanukkah that you can incorporate into your celebration:
1. Eating Traditional Foods
Enjoying foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), is a popular tradition during Hanukkah. These foods symbolize the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Temple.
2. Playing Dreidel
Dreidel is a spinning top game played during Hanukkah. Each side of the dreidel is marked with a Hebrew letter representing a different action in the game. Players typically play for chocolate coins or nuts.
3. Giving Gifts
Exchanging gifts during Hanukkah is a modern custom that adds to the joy of the holiday. Families often give small gifts to children each night of Hanukkah to celebrate the season.
Conclusion
Lighting the Hanukkah candles is a cherished tradition that brings families and communities together each year. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can properly observe this beautiful holiday and reflect on the miracles of Hanukkah. May your Hanukkah be filled with light, love, and joy!
