Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated with a menorah, which is a nine-branched candelabra. During Hanukkah, the candles are lit in a special ceremony every night of the holiday. Lighting the Hanukkah candles is a special ritual that is an important part of the celebration, but it can be a bit confusing for those who are unfamiliar with the process. In this article, we will discuss the basics of how to light Hanukkah candles.
Gathering Supplies
Before you begin the process of lighting the Hanukkah candles, you will need to gather the necessary supplies. This includes a Hanukkah menorah, as well as 44 wax candles. It is also important to have a lighter or match for the actual lighting of the candles. Make sure to have all of the necessary supplies within reach before you begin.
Preparing the Menorah
The first step in lighting the Hanukkah candles is to prepare the menorah. This involves placing the candles in the appropriate holders of the menorah. The center candle is known as the shamash and is used to light the other candles. Place the shamash in the center holder and the eight other candles in the remaining holders. Make sure to place the candles in the correct order, according to the day of Hanukkah.
Lighting the Candles
Once the menorah is prepared, it is time to actually light the candles. Using the shamash, light one candle on the first night of Hanukkah. On the second night, light two candles, and so on. Make sure to light the shamash first and then use it to light the other candles. After the candles are lit, you should recite the blessings for lighting the Hanukkah candles.
Placement of the Menorah
When you are finished lighting the Hanukkah candles, you should place the menorah in a place of prominence. According to Jewish tradition, the menorah should be placed in the window or in a visible area, so that it is seen by passersby. This is a reminder to others of the story of Hanukkah and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.
Traditions of Lighting the Menorah
When it comes to lighting the Hanukkah candles, there are a few traditions that should be observed. First, it is important to light the candles from left to right. This is done to mimic the way the Maccabees lit the menorah in the Second Temple. Additionally, it is important to light the candles from the same side each night, and it is customary to increase the number of candles lit each night, ending with all eight candles being lit on the eighth night of Hanukkah.
Extinguishing the Candles
When it is time to extinguish the Hanukkah candles, you should use the shamash. The other candles should be used to light the shamash and then the shamash should be used to extinguish the remaining candles. Do not blow out the candles, as this is considered disrespectful. After extinguishing the candles, it is customary to recite a prayer of thanks.
Cleaning Up
Once you are finished lighting the Hanukkah candles, you should clean up the area. This involves disposing of the used candles and cleaning up any wax that may have dripped from the menorah. Make sure to keep the menorah in a safe place and out of reach of small children.
Conclusion
Lighting the Hanukkah candles is an important ritual that is an integral part of celebrating the holiday. It is a meaningful tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony is both meaningful and memorable.