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How is the menorah lit?
On the first night of Hanukkah, place a candle in the holder on the far right, and light it with the shamash. Then put the shamash back in its spot (leaving it lit). On the second night, light the candle second from the right, then the candle on the far right, and replace the lit shamash.
Why do we light a shamash?
The helper candle, or shamash, is lighted first, and that candle is used to light all the other candles. During these eight days of Hanukkah, these lights are sacred; we are not to use them but only to behold them, so that their glow may rouse us to give thanks for your wondrous acts of deliverance.”
What do you light on Hanukkah?
The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, called a menorah (or hanukkiah). One branch is typically placed above or below the others and its candle is used to light the other eight candles.
Is lighting Hanukkah candles a mitzvah?
On the Friday of Chanukah, one should try to daven mincha before candle lighting. This is because mincha is a mitzvah for Friday and lighting candles is a mitzvah for Shabbat (even though it must be performed while it is still Friday). The rule is that Chanukah candles are lit before Shabbat candles.
Who is obligated to light Chanukah candles?
Jewish person
Who Must Light? Every Jewish person must be sure to light Chanukah candles. Even a needy person who relies on charity must sell belongings or collect money in order to be able to light. In such a case, however, one should not collect more than necessary for one candle per night.
Why are there 9 lights on a menorah?
The centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration is the hanukkiah or menorah, a candelabra that holds nine candles. Eight candles symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed; the ninth, the shamash, is a helper candle used to light the others.
Who is the god of Hanukkah and Chanukiah?
Eloheinu Melekh haolam asher kidshanu bemitzvotav v’tzivanu lehadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe whose commandments add holiness to our lives and who gave us the commandment to kindle light for Hanukkah. Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh haolam sh’asa nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.
How did the chanukiyah Menorah get its name?
The chanukiyah (ha-new-key-uh) is better known among English speakers as a Hanukkah menorah. The term “chanukiyah” is a modern Hebrew word that was coined in the late 19th century when the new incarnation of the ancient tongue was birthed. The word specifically denotes the nine-branched candelabra used at Hannukah time.
What do you make a Chanukiah out of?
The Chanukiah (sometimes called a menorah) is the nine-branched candelabrum that is used on Hanukkah. Chanukiahs are commonly made out of metal, or stone, and can be purchased at a Judaica store, but they can be made out of anything, and many people choose to make their own.
Where does the name Chanukiah come from in Hebrew?
Pronounced: ah-doe-NYE, Origin: Hebrew, a name for God. Eloheinu Melekh haolam asher kidshanu bemitzvotav v’tzivanu lehadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe whose commandments add holiness to our lives and who gave us the commandment to kindle light for Hanukkah.