Chanukah Candles

Chanukah candles are a large part of this Jewish holiday. The candelabra used to hold the candles is called the Menorah, and it holds a total of nine. Eight of the candles are burned on successive nights, while one candle, called the shamash, is used to light the others.

This wonderful tradition dates back to the time of the Roman ruler Antiochus IV, approximately the second century BC.

Through the years since, Jews all over the world have celebrated Chanuka with candles, food and prayers.

Kinds of Candles

There isn't really a specific type of candle necessary for the menorah, but the vast number of them accept only tapered candles.

As for color -- should there be some? White is the tradtional color, but blue or blue and white candles are also used.

If desired, other colors can be used as well.

Although candles are traditional, oil lamps are also acceptable, as are electric candles. Electric candles are generally only used in places (such as a hospital room) where an open flame would be unwise.

One New Candle Per Night

Chaunukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev, which roughly falls between late November and late December of any given year.

On the first night, one candle plus the shamash is lit, for at least 30 minutes. Each successive night, one more candle is lighted until on the final night, all eight Chanukah candles and the shamash are lit.

Shamash means "servant" or "guard" and this candle is given a distinct location, usually either higher or lower than the other candles in the Menorah. generally, the shamash candle is used to light the others.

More About Chanukah Candles

The reason for the Hanukkah lights is not for the "lighting of the house within", but rather for the "illumination of the house without," so that passers-by should see it and be reminded of the holiday's miracle. Accordingly lamps are set up at a prominent window or near the door leading to the street.

The reason for the Chanukah candles wasn't for lighting the home; instead, it was to illuminate the holiday's miracle. Because of this, the lights (candles or oil lamps) were to be placed outside one's door or in the window closest to the street. Thus, passers-by would see the lights and be reminded of and meditate on the reason for the holiday.

This was generally adhered to, except in times of great danger.

However, in the present day, candles are generally lit in a more central area of the home.

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Why Eight Candles?

During the Jewish revolt in the time of the Maccabees, the Temple in Jerusalem was recaptured.

The Temple had to be re-dedicated after its occupation, as Antiochus had tried to erect a statue of Zeus in the Temple.

Unfortunately, olive oil was needed for the dedication ceremony, and there was only enough unopened container of the oil found.

The container only had enough oil to light the eternal flame for one day.

And it would take eight days for more oil to be pressed.

Miraculously, the flame remained burning for the eight days, until the new oil was ready.