The menorah or Hanukkiah has 8 candles in a row and one candle usually above the 8, called the shamash (also called servant candle), which is lit first every night and used to light the others. Candles are lit at nightfall, preferably after everyone arrives home so all can celebrate. On the first night (this year: 5768, 25 Kislev/Dec 4, 2007), place a candle in the shamash holder and one in the far right holder. Light the shamash first, then with the shamash, light the far right one; the second night replace the first right candle, add a candle to the left of that, light the shamash, then the light other two. Begin lighting from the left-most one and proceed to the right. Repeat through Day 8. The tradition is to let the candles burn for at least 30 minutes (most Hanukkah candles burn for about an hour).After the candles are lit and blessings are recited or sung, it is common to sing: Haneirot-Halalus song which means "These Lights We Light." The song in English:
We kindle these lights [to commemorate] the saving acts, miracles and wonders which You have performed for our forefathers, in those days at this time, through Your holy priests. Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make use of them, but only to look at them, in order to offer thanks and praise to Your great Name for Your miracles, for Your wonders and for Your salvations.
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1 comment:
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