Understanding Hanukkah Candles
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights, commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The central ritual of Hanukkah involves the lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum. The menorah holds eight candles, with an additional “shamash” candle used to light the others.
The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is rich in symbolism and meaning. Each night, an additional candle is lit, culminating in all eight candles being illuminated on the final night. This practice symbolizes the miracle of the Hanukkah oil: when the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, they found only enough consecrated oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, enough time to prepare and consecrate more oil.
The Lighting of Hanukkah Candles Today
Today, Jewish families around the world celebrate Hanukkah, typically between November and December, by lighting the menorah each night. This practice is usually performed at home, often accompanied by prayers and songs. The menorah is placed in a window or doorway, showcasing the light to those passing by and fulfilling the mitzvah (commandment) of publicizing the miracle.
The process of lighting the menorah begins with the shamash, the helper candle. The shamash is used to light the other candles from left to right, although the new candle is always placed in the menorah from right to left. Before lighting the candles, blessings are recited, thanking God for the commandment of lighting the Hanukkah candles and for the miracles performed for the ancestors.
Hanukkah and the Light of the World
For believers in Jesus, Hanukkah holds a deeper significance as it is seen through the lens of Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah. The book of John mentions Yeshua participating in the Festival of Dedication, which is another name for Hanukkah. In John 10:22-23, it states, “Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.” This passage suggests that Yeshua Himself also recognized Hanukkah.
Yeshua’s declaration in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” resonates profoundly with the themes of Hanukkah. The festival’s focus on light and the miracle of the oil parallels the spiritual illumination that Yeshua brings into the lives of us as believers. And just as families across the world place a menorah in a window showcasing light to people passing by, Jesus gives a similar admonition to shine the light we have in Him:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16). These words of Yeshua encourage His followers to be a light in the world, reflecting His light through their actions.
And similar to how the process of lighting the menorah begins with the shamash, the helper candle, John 1:4 also reminds us that we receive our light from Jesus, who helps us by giving us life: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”
These parallels can also be seen in the Old Testament. Just as the menorah’s light illuminated the Temple, Yeshua’s presence brings spiritual illumination and guidance to all who follow Him. He is the light of the world that has conquered darkness, offering hope and salvation to all who call on His name. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2). This prophecy is often associated with the coming of Yeshua, the light that has conquered sin and spiritual darkness.
Celebrating Hanukkah as Followers of Yeshua
For believers in Yeshua, celebrating Hanukkah is an opportunity to honor the Jewish roots of our faith and to reflect on the profound spiritual truths that the festival embodies. Lighting the Hanukkah candles becomes a symbolic act of remembering the True Light of the World, Yeshua’s light, in our lives and remembering that His light overcomes all darkness and brings eternal hope.
