The menorah is one of the most recognizable symbols of Judaism. It is a seven-branched candelabrum that holds immense significance in Jewish tradition and history. However, during the holiday of Hanukkah, a different menorah is used, known as the Hanukkah menorah or the Hanukkiah. This menorah has eight candles, instead of the usual seven. But why are there 8 candles on the Hanukkah menorah?
The story behind the eight candles on the Hanukkah menorah can be traced back to the events that took place over 2,000 years ago. Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebels, over the oppressive rule of the Syrian Greek king Antiochus IV. When the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem, they found only enough oil to light the menorah for one day, but miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, until more oil could be obtained. This miracle is at the heart of the Hanukkah story and is represented by the eight candles on the Hanukkah menorah.
Each night of Hanukkah, a new candle is lit on the Hanukkah menorah until all eight candles are burning. The ninth candle, known as the shamash (which means “helper” in Hebrew), is used to light the other candles. It is usually placed either higher or lower than the other eight candles to differentiate it. The shamash serves as a reminder that the Hanukkah menorah is not just a symbol of the past, but a call to action for Jews to spread the light and bring warmth to the world.
Origin and Significance of the Menorah
The menorah holds a significant place in Jewish tradition and has its roots in ancient biblical times. Its origins can be traced back to the time of Moses when he was instructed by God to create a seven-branched golden lampstand for the Tabernacle. This original menorah is described in intricate detail in the Book of Exodus.
The menorah became a symbol of light and divine presence among the Israelites. It served as a reminder of God’s guidance and his covenant with the Jewish people. Over time, the menorah evolved into a powerful religious symbol, representing continuous faith and continuity despite adversities.
During the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BCE, the menorah gained further significance. After the victory of the Jews over the Seleucid Empire, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was rededicated. According to the Talmud, there was only enough sanctified oil to light the menorah for one day, but miraculously, it lasted for eight days, until new oil was prepared. This event is celebrated during Hanukkah, which is also known as the Festival of Lights.
Today, the menorah plays a central role in Hanukkah celebrations. A nine-branch menorah, known as a Hanukkiah, is used during this time. Each night of the eight-day festival, a new candle is lit, representing the miracle of the oil and the dedication of the Jewish people to their faith and traditions.
The menorah serves as a powerful symbol of Jewish heritage and unity. It reminds the Jewish people of their history and the challenges they have overcome. It is a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the eternal light of God’s presence in their lives.
The Symbolism of Light
The lighting of the Menorah holds great significance in the Jewish faith. The candles symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and the power of miracles.
During Hanukkah, the Menorah serves as a reminder of the miracle that occurred in the Second Temple in Jerusalem. When the Jewish people rededicated the temple after it was defiled by the Greeks, they found only one small jug of oil that was enough to keep the temple’s menorah burning for one day. Miraculously, this small amount of oil lasted for eight days, allowing the Jewish people to obtain more oil and continue the sacred light.
The eight candles on the Menorah represent the eight days that the oil miraculously burned. The first candle, known as the Shamash, is used to light the other candles each night. The Shamash symbolizes the importance of spreading light and warmth to others.
Light has long held symbolic meaning in religious and cultural traditions. In Judaism, light represents spiritual illumination, clarity, and wisdom. It is a reminder to bring goodness and positivity into the world, to overcome darkness and ignorance.
On each night of Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit, increasing the light and symbolizing the increasing joy and hope that comes with each passing day. The candles are placed from right to left on the Menorah, but they are lit from left to right, starting with the newest candle.
The symbolism of light in the Menorah reminds us to be a source of light in the darkness, to always seek and spread knowledge, and to never let our light be extinguished. As the flames of the Menorah illuminate the room, they also illuminate our hearts and souls, connecting us to our faith and the miracles of the past.
The Story of Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This celebration is held every year and usually falls in late November or December on the Gregorian calendar.
The story of Hanukkah dates back to the second century BCE, during the time when Judea was under the rule of the Seleucids, a Greek dynasty. At that time, the Jewish people were facing persecution and were forbidden to practice their religion. The Seleucid ruler, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, issued decrees that banned Jewish rituals and desecrated the Second Temple.
A group of Jewish rebels, known as the Maccabees, rose up against the Seleucid empire and fought for their religious freedom. Led by Judah Maccabee and his four brothers, the Maccabees launched a successful revolt and reclaimed the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
According to legend, when the Maccabees entered the Temple to rededicate it, they found only a small jar of oil, enough to light the menorah (a seven-branched candelabrum) for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which was the amount of time needed to press and consecrate new oil. This miracle is celebrated during the eight nights of Hanukkah.
During Hanukkah, Jewish families light the menorah and place it in a prominent place, such as a window or doorway. Each night, an additional candle is lit using the shamash, the middle candle that is used to light the others. Families also sing songs, play games with a spinning top called a dreidel, and enjoy traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts).
Hanukkah is not only a celebration of the rededication of the Second Temple but also a time to remember the importance of religious freedom and the perseverance of the Jewish people. It serves as a reminder of the triumph of light over darkness and the power of faith.
Why 8 Candles?
The tradition of lighting 8 candles on the menorah during Hanukkah comes from the story of the miracle that occurred in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
According to Jewish tradition, after the Temple was recaptured from the Greeks, the Maccabees discovered that there was only enough oil to light the menorah in the Temple for one day. However, miraculously, the small amount of oil lasted for 8 days, allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared.
As a way to commemorate this miracle, Jews light 8 candles on the menorah during Hanukkah. Each night, an additional candle is lit until all 8 candles are illuminated on the final night of the holiday.
The middle candle, called the shamash, is used to light the other candles. It is usually placed higher or lower than the rest of the candles to distinguish it from the others.
The lighting of the candles serves as a reminder of the miracle and the importance of faith, perseverance, and dedication. It is also a symbol of hope and the power of light over darkness.
Today, the tradition of lighting the menorah is an integral part of Hanukkah celebrations, bringing joy and light to Jewish homes around the world.
The Ritual of Lighting the Menorah
The lighting of the menorah is a central ritual of the Hanukkah celebration. It symbolizes the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. The menorah used during Hanukkah has nine branches, with the central branch called the “shamash” or “helper” and the other eight branches representing the eight nights of the holiday.
Each night of Hanukkah, one additional candle is lit on the menorah, starting from the rightmost side. The shamash candle, which is usually placed in the center or above the other candles, is used to light the other candles. The lighting ceremony typically takes place at sundown.
Before lighting the candles, blessings or prayers are recited. The first blessing is the “Shehecheyanu,” which is said on the first night to express gratitude for reaching the holiday. The second blessing is the “L’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah,” which is recited to fulfill the commandment of lighting the Hanukkah candles.
After reciting the blessings, the shamash candle is lit first, and then it is used to light the first candle on the rightmost side of the menorah. Each night, an additional candle is added from right to left, with the newest candle always being lit first. The candles are lit from left to right but are placed in the opposite order, so that the newest candle is closest to the viewers.
The menorah should be placed in a prominent location and preferably near a window, so that it can be seen by others. Traditionally, families gather around the menorah to sing songs, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional festive foods such as latkes and sufganiyot.
The lighting of the menorah is a beautiful and cherished tradition that brings families together and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. It is a reminder of the miracles that happened in the past and the hope for a brighter future.
Modern Celebrations and Traditions
In addition to the historical significance of the menorah, the celebration of Hanukkah has evolved over time to include various modern traditions. These traditions not only help to commemorate the miracle of the oil but also aim to bring families and communities together.
One popular modern tradition is the exchange of gifts. This practice has been influenced by the proximity of Hanukkah to Christmas and has become more common in Jewish households. Families often exchange small gifts or tokens each night of Hanukkah, adding to the excitement and joy of the celebration.
Another popular tradition is playing the game of dreidel. A dreidel is a spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side that represent the phrase “a great miracle happened there.” People play the game by spinning the dreidel and following the instructions on the side it lands on. This tradition adds an element of fun and friendly competition to the holiday festivities.
Many modern celebrations also include the lighting of a hanukkiah, which is a special menorah used specifically for Hanukkah. The hanukkiah has eight branches, one for each night of the celebration, plus an additional branch called the shamash, which is used to light the other candles. Families gather each night to light the candles, recite blessings, and sing traditional Hanukkah songs.
Food plays a significant role in Hanukkah celebrations as well. One of the most well-known Hanukkah foods is the potato latke, a fried potato pancake. These delicious treats are often served with applesauce or sour cream. Additionally, sufganiyot, which are jelly-filled doughnuts, are also a popular Hanukkah treat, symbolizing the oil used in the temple.
Overall, Hanukkah has transformed from its historical origins into a vibrant and joyous celebration. While the lighting of the menorah remains the focal point, modern traditions such as gift exchanges, dreidel games, hanukkiah lighting, and festive foods have enhanced the festive spirit of the holiday.
