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Hanukkah Candles
Every night of the holiday of Hanukkah, also called Chanukah, Jews around the world light Menorahs. Starting with one light the first night and working up to eight on the last, those lighting their Menorahs with candles go through a total of thirty-six candles; forty-four when including the helper candle, the shamash.
Types of Candles
There are many options to choose from when it comes to Hanukkah candles. Basic Hanukkah Candles are a great, affordable option for children lighting Candle Menorahs, allowing kids to have fun choosing their colors each night. With one of these packs per Menorah, you’ll be all set for the holiday.
If you’re looking for something a little more exciting or decorative, handmade candles are the way to go. Each set is unique, allowing for a variety of distinct combinations. Safed Candle’s Premium Handcrafted Hanukkah Candles are especially popular. Safed Candles are hand-dipped in the holy city of Safed (Tzfat) and are available in a range of gorgeous jewel-tones. They look beautiful in Menorahs of all designs and make wonderful gifts.
How to Light the Hanukkah Candles
There’s a special order to lighting the Menorah. Each night, starting with one on the first, a new candle is added starting from the right side of the Menorah. After reciting the blessings, the candles are then lit from left to right.
How Many Candles Do You Need for Hanukkah?
44. Officially, you only need thirty-six candles to light the Menorah all eight nights. Starting with one candle, another is added each night of the holiday until there are eight candles lit on the last night. However, most Menorahs have an additional spot, usually higher than the others, for the Shamash, the helper candle used to light the rest. When included, there are a total of forty-four candles lit during Hanukkah.
A fun fact about lighting a menorah is that according to tradition the bare minimum of the mitzvah is to light 1 candle each night. Nowadays it is standard to fulfill the mitzvah of lighting the hanukkiah in the most "mehudar" or beautiful way with an additional candle each night.
When to Light the Menorah
Most people follow the tradition of lighting candles shortly after sunset, as it gets dark. Others light thirty minutes later, after nightfall. On Friday, we light the hanukkiah before the shabbat candles.
Drip Cups and Other Accessories
Lighting a Candle Menorah can be a lot of fun, but it can also get messy. Candle wax can get on tables and tablecloths, and cover-up beautiful Menorah designs. Prevent drips from spreading by using drip cups and drip trays.