why do we light candles on hanukkah
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Why Do We Light Candles on Hanukkah?
Quick Scoop
The Miracle of Light
Lighting candles during Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) traces back more than 2,000 years to a remarkable event in Jewish history known as the Miracle of the Oil. The story tells how, after reclaiming the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Seleucid Greeks, the Jewish people sought to rekindle the Menorah —the sacred seven-branched candelabrum that was meant to burn day and night. However, they found only a small jar of pure olive oil, enough to last one day. Yet, miraculously, that limited oil burned for eight full days , giving them enough time to prepare new sanctified oil. To commemorate this miracle, Jewish tradition established Hanukkah as an eight-day festival centered on light, faith, and resilience.
The Candle Lighting Tradition
Each night, one additional candle is lit on a special nine-branched candelabrum called the Hanukkiah (distinct from the original Temple Menorah).
- Eight candles represent the eight miraculous days the oil lasted.
- The ninth candle , called the Shamash , is used to light the others—it serves as a “helper” candle.
Lighting the candles is accompanied by blessings, songs, and reflection on freedom and spiritual endurance.
Symbolism and Meaning
The light of the Hanukkah candles carries deep symbolic value:
- Hope and perseverance – Even in darkness, a small flame can push back shadow and despair.
- Faith in miracles – The candles remind celebrants that seemingly impossible moments can lead to renewal.
- Identity and memory – Lighting candles publicly (often by the window) represents pride in Jewish identity and the freedom to practice one’s beliefs.
In modern times, this symbolism has evolved to include ideas of unity, diversity, and standing up against intolerance , making Hanukkah’s message resonant even in contemporary discussions about freedom and peace.
Hanukkah Today: Global and Digital
In 2026, celebrating Hanukkah has also taken on a global, connected flavor. Social media feeds fill up with images of beautiful menorahs, homemade latkes, and children playing with dreidels. Public menorah lightings—some virtual—bring together communities across continents. This fusion of ancient ritual and modern life keeps Hanukkah not just as a remembrance of the past but a living expression of resilience and joy today.
Key Takeaways
- Hanukkah candles commemorate the miracle where one day’s worth of oil lasted eight.
- The Hanukkiah holds nine candles: one for each night and the Shamash to light the others.
- Symbolic meaning: hope, faith, and freedom.
- Modern celebration: a blend of faith, family, and cultural pride shared globally.
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