What Are The Hanukkah Candles Called

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Introduction

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous and significant Jewish holiday that celebrates the miracle of the oil. It is a time when families come together to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the triumph of light over darkness.

One of the central traditions of Hanukkah is the lighting of the Hanukkah candles. These candles hold deep symbolism and play a crucial role in the observance of the holiday. In this article, we will explore what the Hanukkah candles are called and delve into their significance, history, and rituals surrounding their lighting.

Significance of Hanukkah Candles

The Hanukkah candles hold immense significance and symbolism in the celebration of Hanukkah. They serve as a reminder of the miraculous event that took place during the rededication of the Second Temple. According to tradition, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple from the Greeks, they found only a small vial of pure oil that was enough to last for just one day. However, the oil miraculously burned for eight days, allowing them to purify and rededicate the Temple.

The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is a way to commemorate this miracle and to spread light and warmth during the darkest time of the year. Each night of Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit using a special nine-branched candelabrum called a menorah or a Hanukkiah. The menorah has eight branches representing the eight miraculous nights of the oil, while the ninth branch, called the shamash, is used to light the other candles.

The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is a public celebration of the miracle, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. It serves as a reminder to Jews around the world of their ancestors’ perseverance, courage, and faith. Moreover, it is a time for families to come together to kindle the flames, say blessings, and share in the joy and warmth of the holiday.

History of the Hanukkah Candles

The history of the Hanukkah candles dates back over 2,000 years to the time of the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian-Greek rulers. In 167 BCE, the Syrians besieged Jerusalem and attacked the Jewish people, forbidding them from practicing their religious traditions. The Jews, led by a group of warriors known as the Maccabees, fought back and eventually succeeded in reclaiming Jerusalem and liberating the Temple.

After the battle, the Maccabees sought to rededicate the desecrated Temple. As they prepared to light the menorah, they discovered that there was only a small amount of pure oil left, enough to burn for just one day. However, a miracle occurred, and the oil lasted for eight days, allowing them to complete the rededication ceremony.

In commemoration of this miracle, the tradition of lighting the Hanukkah candles was established. The Hanukkah candles are lit using a specific order, beginning with one candle on the first night and adding an additional candle each subsequent night until all eight candles are lit on the final night of Hanukkah. The candles are typically placed from right to left in the menorah, but they are lit from left to right.

The history of the Hanukkah candles symbolizes the resilience and determination of the Jewish people in the face of oppression. It serves as a reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the power of miracles. Today, Jews around the world continue to light Hanukkah candles as a way to remember and honor their ancestors’ bravery and faith.

How Many Hanukkah Candles to Light

During the eight nights of Hanukkah, a total of 44 candles are typically lit. This includes the required candles for each night and the additional shamash candle used to light the others. The lighting of the candles follows a specific pattern, symbolizing the progression of the holiday.

On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit, along with the shamash candle. This represents the initial miracle of the oil that burned for one day. On the second night, an additional candle is added, resulting in a total of three candles.

The pattern continues each night, with one additional candle being added to the previous night’s total. On the third night, three candles are lit, followed by four on the fourth night, and so on, until all eight candles are lit on the final night of Hanukkah. This symbolizes the complete miracle of the oil lasting for eight days.

It’s important to note that the candles should be lit after sunset, once the stars come out, and they should remain lit for at least 30 minutes. Some families choose to extend the lighting time to an hour or longer to fully embrace the holiday spirit.

The Hanukkah candles are typically placed in a menorah or a Hanukkiah, which has eight branches for the eight nights of Hanukkah, along with a central branch for the shamash candle. The candles are lit from left to right, with the newest candle (representing the current night of Hanukkah) being lit first.

As the candles are lit, families gather around the menorah and recite blessings, sing traditional songs, and reflect on the meaning of the holiday. It’s a beautiful and meaningful tradition that brings joy and unity to Jewish households during the Festival of Lights.

Lighting the Hanukkah Candles

The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is a cherished and significant tradition during the holiday season. It involves a specific order and set of rituals to properly commemorate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

The Hanukkah candles are typically lit after sunset, as the stars start to appear in the sky. The menorah, or Hanukkiah, is typically placed in a prominent location, such as a windowsill or a central spot in the home. Before lighting the candles, it is customary to say blessings, known as the Hanukkah blessings or the Hanerot Halalu.

The first blessing, called the Shehecheyanu, is recited on the first night of Hanukkah, marking the joyous occasion of lighting the first candle. This blessing expresses gratitude for reaching the holiday season and experiencing the miracle of Hanukkah. The second blessing, called the Hanukkah blessing, is recited each subsequent night as the additional candles are lit.

To begin the lighting, the shamash candle, which is the central candle on the menorah, is first lit. The shamash is then used to kindle the other candles. The candles are lit from left to right, starting with the newest candle representing the current night of Hanukkah. As each candle is lit, families gather around the menorah and recite the blessings together.

After the candles have been lit, it is customary to place the lit menorah in a visible and prominent location for all to see. The candles should remain burning for at least 30 minutes, symbolizing the duration of the miraculous oil. Some families choose to keep the candles burning longer, creating a warm and festive atmosphere in the home.

The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. It brings families together, allowing them to pause and appreciate the miracles and joys of the holiday season. The flickering flames of the candles serve as a reminder of the power of faith, hope, and perseverance, and the importance of spreading light in times of darkness.

The Hanukkah candles are called “Hanukkiah” or “Hanukkah menorah.” They are traditionally lit during the eight nights of Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days.

Blessings for the Hanukkah Candles

The blessings for the Hanukkah candles are an integral part of the lighting ceremony, adding a spiritual dimension to the celebration. These blessings are recited before the candles are kindled and serve to sanctify the moment and express gratitude for the miracles of Hanukkah.

There are two primary blessings that are recited during the Hanukkah candle lighting ritual. The first blessing is known as the Shehecheyanu, and it is recited on the first night of Hanukkah. This blessing is a thanksgiving prayer that acknowledges the specialness of the occasion and expresses gratitude for reaching the holiday season. It is a way to mark the joyous moment of lighting the first candle.

The Shehecheyanu blessing goes as follows:

“Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higi’anu laz’man ha’zeh.”