Festivals

When, where & how to light? Happy Chanukah


(adapted from aish.com)

When to light?

The 1st candle is on Tuesday night December 20th. Lighting the Chanukah Menorah should be done at nightfall. In Thornhill this means at 5:30pm tonight. The candles should stay lit for 30 minutes after nightfall.

NOTE: On Friday night (the 4th candle) we light the Chanukah candles before the Shabbat candles. Shabbat candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset, in Thornhill this is at 4:26. The Chanukah candles should last until about 30 minutes after nightfall, or 6:20PM. You may want to get some bigger candles, or use oil for Friday night!! 
On Saturday night (the 5th candle) light the Menorah after you make the Havdalah blessings.

Where to Light?

To best publicize the miracle, the menorah should be lit in a window facing the public thoroughfare.

How to Light:

On the first night, place one candle at the far right, as you face the menorah. This applies whether the menorah is placed next to a doorway or by a window. 
Another candle is placed for the Shamash (taller helper candle) which is used to light the others. It is not counted as one of the candles. 
First light the Shamash, then recite the blessings, and then use the Shamash to light the Chanukah candle. 
On the second night, place two candles in the two far-right positions ? and use the Shamash to light the left one first. 
The third night, place three candles in the three far-right positions ? and use the Shamash to light them in order, from left to right. 
Follow this same procedure each night of Chanukah… until all the lights are kindled and glowing brightly!

Watch a demo here
Listen to the blessings
Print out the blessings

Comments are closed.