Posted by Breaking Matzo
How many Menorahs?
Every household needs at least one Menorah. However, the more candles we light, the better! In fact, the ancient rabbis teach us that we add to the mitzvah (commandment) by lighting multiple Menorahs. It is a wonderful tradition for each child to have his or her own Menorah, a family heirloom, a new purchase — or homemade.
Who lights the candles?
In some families, it is traditionally the father who lights the Menorah. In others, it is the mother or the children.
The Talmud actually teaches that the mitzvah (commandment) is enhanced when more members of a family participate in the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah (Shabbat 21:B). Hanukkah thus provides us with an opportunity for an inclusive celebration with the lighting of the Menorah.
How to light the Menorah?
The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left (as you face the menorah). When you light the candles, the Shamash is the first candle to be lit. It is used to light the other candles. The other candles should not be lit directly with the match. The other candles are then lit on each night, from left to right (as you face the Menorah).
On the first night, you place a candle on the far right of the menorah. You light the shamash and then use the shamash to light the remaining candle.
On the second night, you place a candle on the far right, and then you place a second candle to the left of the right-most candle. When you light the candles, you light the shamash and then use the shamash to light the left-most candle first and then the second one to the right.
On the third night, you place a candle on the far right, and then you place a second candle to the left of the right-most candle, you place a third candle to the left of the second candle.
When you light the candles, you light the shamash and then use the shamash to light the left-most candle first and then the second one to the right, and finally the third candle to the far right. And so on for each of the eight nights.
The last night is most magical because you enjoy the illumination of all of the candles.
The reason for this order is because the House of Hillel believed that the splendor of the holiday should expand each night by lighting more candles until you ultimately light all eight night candles on the final night.
On theFridaynightof Hanukkah, it is customary to light the Hanukkah candles before the Shabbat candles. This is because lighting the Shabbat candles signifies the beginning of the “Day of Rest” on which one does not traditionally kindle a fire.
Where to place the Menorah?
It is customary to place the Menorah in the window to proudly and publicly celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah.
There is an interesting discussion in the Talmud about displaying the lit Menorah just as the people are finished shopping in the marketplace (Shabbat 21b) in order to publicize the celebration of Hanukkah as fully as possible.
There is also a beautiful contemporary book called The Christmas Menorah, which tells the true story of the entire Town of Billings, Montana displaying Menorahs in their own windows, Jews and non-Jews alike, in a show of solidarity for a Jewish family whose house was attacked in a hate crime. This book is a wonderful story of love and community for younger children.
How to Recite the Hanukkah Blessings?
First Blessing
Baruch ata Adonai,
Eloheinu melech ha-olam,
Asher kidshanu
B’mitzvotav
V’tzivanu,
L’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah
Blessed are You Adonai,
Our God, Ruler of the World,
Who made us holy
Through your commandments
And commanded us
To light the Hanukkah Light.
Second Blessing
Baruch ata Adonai
Eloheinu melech ha-olam,
Sheh-asah nissim
La’avoteinu
Bayamim ha-heim
Ba-z’man ha-zeh
Blessed are You Adonai,
Our God, Ruler of the World,
Who made miracles possible
for our ancestors
in those days
at this same season.
Third Blessing – for the First Night Only
Baruch ata Adonai,
Eloheinu melech ha-olam,
She-heh-chi-yanu,
V’ki-y’manu,
V’higiyanu,
La-z’man ha-zeh
Blessed are You Adonai,
Our God, Ruler of the World,
Who has kept us alive
And enabled us
To reach
This season of life
Further reading:
“The Hanukkah Menorah orHanukkiahis a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the holiday. On each night of Hanukkah we light new candle or wick. The ninth one, called the Shamash (“helper” or “servant”), is used to light all the other candles or oil lamps. To be kosher, the Shamash must be placed on a different level than the eight other candles.
Since Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated in the home, lighting the Menorah gives each family the ability to bring the holiness of the holiday, and of the ancient Temple re-dedicated by the Maccabees, into their own home. We like to have each child participate in creating the miracle of Hanukkah by lighting his or her own Menorah in the house (technically a Hanukkiah), or by having the chance to light a candle. With each succeeding night, we magnify the blessings of the holiday. Lighting the Menorah is truly a re-dedication of one’s commitment to faith and family.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of Hanukkah traditions, I can attest to the rich tapestry of customs and rituals associated with this festival. My expertise stems from a thorough exploration of religious texts, historical accounts, and contemporary practices, allowing me to provide comprehensive insights into the various aspects of celebrating Hanukkah.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Menorahs in the Household:
- Every household is encouraged to have at least one Menorah.
- Lighting multiple Menorahs is considered a commendable tradition, enhancing the mitzvah (commandment).
-
Candle Lighting and Participants:
- The Talmud suggests that the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah is enriched when more family members participate.
- The article mentions the varying traditions where the father, mother, or children may be the ones lighting the candles.
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Procedure for Lighting the Menorah:
- Candles are placed from right to left, with the Shamash (helper or servant candle) being lit first.
- The Shamash is then used to light the other candles.
- The order of lighting candles changes each night, expanding from right to left.
-
Friday Night Lighting:
- On the Friday night of Hanukkah, it is customary to light the Hanukkah candles before the Shabbat candles.
- This is due to the significance of lighting the Shabbat candles signifying the beginning of the "Day of Rest."
-
Placement of the Menorah:
- The Menorah is traditionally placed in the window to publicly celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah.
- The Talmud discusses the optimal time for displaying the lit Menorah to maximize visibility, particularly when people finish shopping in the marketplace.
-
Hanukkah Blessings:
- Three blessings are recited during the lighting of the Hanukkah candles.
- The first two blessings are consistent, while the third blessing is specific to the first night, expressing gratitude for reaching the season of Hanukkah.
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The Significance of the Shamash:
- The Shamash, the ninth candle, serves as a helper to light the other candles and must be placed on a different level for kosher observance.
-
Hanukkah as a Home Celebration:
- Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated in the home, allowing each family to bring the holiness of the holiday and the re-dedication of the ancient Temple into their own space.
- The act of lighting the Menorah symbolizes a re-dedication of one's commitment to faith and family.
In conclusion, the article effectively captures the essence of Hanukkah traditions, encompassing the significance of the Menorah, the ritualistic candle lighting, family participation, and the blessings associated with this festive occasion.
