How many candles are in the Hanukkah menorah? This is a question that often puzzles both new and long-time observers of the Jewish holiday. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of freedom, religious perseverance, and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Central to this holiday is the menorah, a candelabra that holds a significant place in Jewish tradition.
Hanukkah menorahs come in various shapes and sizes, but the traditional one consists of eight candles. The eight candles represent the eight days of Hanukkah, while the ninth candle, known as the shabbat or shamash, is used to light the other candles. The shamash is typically larger than the other candles and is placed to the side of the menorah.
The story of Hanukkah revolves around the miracle of the oil. According to tradition, when the Maccabees, a Jewish revolt group, reclaimed the Temple from the Greek-Syrian army, they found only one small jar of consecrated oil to light the Temple’s menorah. This oil was expected to last for only one day, but it miraculously burned for eight days, which is the duration of Hanukkah.
The lighting of the candles on the menorah is a symbolic act that commemorates this miracle. Each night of Hanukkah, a new candle is lit, starting with the shabbat candle and moving to the left. The candles are lit from left to right, but the flames are supposed to be extinguished from right to left, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
In addition to lighting the candles, Hanukkah is also celebrated with other customs, such as playing dreidel, eating foods fried in oil (like latkes and sufganiyot), and giving gifts to children. The menorah plays a central role in these celebrations, as it serves as a reminder of the holiday’s rich history and the importance of light in overcoming darkness.
In conclusion, the Hanukkah menorah holds eight candles, symbolizing the eight days of the holiday and the miracle of the oil. Lighting the menorah is a significant tradition that brings families together and reinforces the values of freedom and religious perseverance. So, the next time you’re asked how many candles are in the Hanukkah menorah, you can confidently respond with the answer: eight candles, each a beacon of light and hope.
