The Hanukkah Menorah: Origin Story, History, and How to Light Yours in 2025

The Hanukkah Menorah: Origin Story, History, and How to Light Yours in 2025

What Is a Hanukkah Menorah?

The Menorah (traditionally called a chanukiyah or Hanukkah menorah) is a 9 branch traditional candelabrum lit for eight nights of Chanukah to publicly remember and celebrate the miracle of Chanukah. A symbol of triumph, light and pride.

What is Difference of Chanukah Menorah from the Temple Menorah

The Hanukkah Menorah has 9 branches, while the Traditional Temple Menorah has 7

Why Do We Light the Menorah? The Chanukah Story, Origin and Miracle

Chanukah commemorates the events from the 2nd century BCE in ancient Judea, under the rule of the Seleucid Empire. King Antiochus IV Epiphanes imposed Hellenistic culture on the Jews, banning religious practices like Torah study, circumcision, and Shabbat observance. He desecrated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem by installing pagan idols and sacrificing pigs on the altar desecrating the holy temple (Beis Hamikdash).

The Maccabean Revolt: In 167 BCE, a Jewish priest named Matisyahu and his five sons, including Yehudah Maccabee ("the Hammer"), stood up and ignited a rebellion from the village of Modiin. Leading a small guerrilla force of farmers, scholars, and devout Jews, they fought against the vastly superior Seleucid army. Through strategic ambushes, fierce determination and great miracles the Maccabees achieved a great victory after three years, reclaiming Jerusalem in 164 BCE.

Rededication of the Temple: The rebels purified and rededicated the Temple an act that gives Chanukah its name, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew. Chanukah is also a play of words for Chanu-Ka / חנו-כה = They rested on the 25th. This marked a triumph of Jewish faith and identity over oppression, symbolizing religious freedom and cultural resilience.

The Miracle of the Oil: Eager to restore the eternal flame of the Temple's golden menorah, they searched the temple for ritually pure olive oil only to find a single vial barely enough oil to light the temple's golden menorah for even one day. Miraculously, the meager supply of oil burned for eight full days till they were able to press and consecrate more. This divine intervention, rather than the military win alone, became the central miracle of Chanukah celebrated in Jewish tradition.

Today we Light the Modern (chanukiah) Menorah with nine branches (eight lights for the eight nights plus the shamash helper candle), is lit to publicize the miracle. Each night, one additional candle is kindled, starting with one on the first night up to eight on the last. placed in doorways or windows to share the story of light prevailing over darkness, hope over despair, and faith over tyranny.

Chanukah Dates: When Does It Start in 2025 and Beyond?

This year Chanukah (Also spelled Hanukkah) the Festival of Lights starts at nightfall on Sunday, December 14, 2025 and ends nightfall on December 22, 2025 Chanukah begins on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. Next Year Hanukkah 2026 it’s December 4-12, In 2027 Dec 24, 2027-Jan 1, 2028, 2028 December 12-20, 2029 December 1-9, And Chanukah 2030 is December 20-28

Oil vs Candles: Which Should You Use in 2025?

Both oil and wax candles are perfectly valid for your Menorah as long as they burn for 30 minutes but if you want the gold standard olive oil is best as the miracle of Chanukah we celebrate was specifically one of pure olive oil that burned for eight days in the Temple’s menorah.

Oil candles give a softer, steadier, cleaner Temple-like flame. Many people say the glow feels warmer and more authentic. Pre-measured disposable oil cups (or refillable glass cups) have made oil almost as convenient as candles, no more wax drips on the tablecloth and cleanup is a breeze.

Candles however remain deeply beloved. Colorful wax or paraffin candles are inexpensive and widely available, often preferred for their choice of color and availability. For the Shamash candle wax candles are the preferred option.

Types of Menorahs and Where to Get Yours This Chanukah

Whether you're a Hanukkah veteran or celebrating for the first time, choosing the right menorah (chanukiyah) can make the Festival of Lights even more special. With nine branches, eight for the holiday nights plus the shamash helper candle menorahs come in endless styles to fit your home, style, and traditions. Here's a breakdown of popular types, pros/cons, and where to buy, including 2025 picks.

Traditional Menorahs

From classic silver or brass, to Modern, Art, and glass Menorahs, to Children and DIY options there are so many options to choose from. I have a traditional classic silver Menorah but honestly go with whichever you connect best with. (Available on Amazon, Specialty Online Retailers, and your local judaica store)

Electric Menorahs & Hanukkah Decor

Besides the Traditional Menorah, adding Electric Menorahs and Hanukkah decor to your home and windows allow you to add light and pride bringing festive Chanukah vibes to your home and family. Light up menorahs allow you to spread the light and holiday festivities to your home, your block and your city.

Where to get: The Illumin8 Menorah By Gr8Nes. A Modern, Striking, Festive Light Up Menorah for homes, offices, stores and goes beautifully in windows, on tabletops, and Mantel’s. (Available at Gr8Nes.com, Amazon, and many specialty retailers)

Car Menorahs for Your Chanukah Adventures

Car Menorahs make for a fun family Chanukah adventure allowing you to bring the light and pride to the streets. Many car menorah parades and boat parades are held in communities around the world. Light Up Your Chanukah World.

Where to get: Our top 2025 pick is the Gr8Nes Illumin8 Car Menorah the original Light Up Car Menorah. a Modern, Durable, Classy, Striking and festive Menorah. Widely recognized as the best Car Menorah. (Available at Gr8Nes.com, Amazon, and many specialty retailers)

How to Light the Menorah & Blessings (Step-by-Step Guide)

Lighting the Hanukkah menorah (also called a chanukiyah) is Chanukah symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. It's done each night for eight nights, starting with one candle and adding one more each evening, using a helper candle called the shamash. For Hanukkah 2025, celebrations begin at sundown on Sunday, December 14, and end at sundown on Monday, December 22. Place the menorah in a window or doorway to "publicize the miracle." Use oil or candles that burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall.

Step-by-Step Guide (Every Night)

Prepare the Menorah: Set it up in a safe, visible spot like a window or doorway (left side preferred in some customs). Insert the candles or oil from right to left, the newest candle goes on the far left each night (so on night 1, just the far right; night 2, add to its left, etc.). Place the shamash in its holder (usually center or elevated).

Timing: Light after nightfall (when three stars are visible), except on Friday (before sunset) or Saturday (after nightfall). Aim for the lights to burn at least 30 minutes into the night.

Light the Shamash: Use a match or lighter to ignite the shamash first, this is the "servant" candle used to kindle the others.

Recite the Blessings: Stand and say them while holding the lit shamash, before lighting the menorah candles. On the first night you light, recite all three and on nights 2-8 just the first two.

First Blessing (All Nights): Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Chanukah.
(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.)

Second Blessing (All Nights): Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she’asah nisim la’avoteinu v'imoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.
(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.)

Third Blessing (First Night Only): Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu v’ki’y’manu v’higianu laz’man hazeh.
(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.)

Light the Candles: Using the shamash, kindle the candles from left to right (starting with the newest/leftmost candle). Place the shamash back in its holder. Let them burn out naturally. Note that we don't use the lights for practical purposes (e.g, reading).

Sing and Celebrate: After lighting, many sing Hanerot Halalu (These Lights) and Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages) to reflect on the miracle. A time to enjoy latkes, play dreidel and celebrate and share in this great miracle with family and friends!

Takeaway: The Timeless Message of Chanukah

Even after two thousand years, the Hanukkah menorah's glow reminds us that a single spark can conquer the deepest darkness. In a world often shadowed by challenges, this Festival of Lights calls us to kindle our own inner strength—through small acts of courage, faith, and kindness. As the candles flicker in your window this 2025 season, may they inspire hope, unity, and the enduring triumph of light over despair. Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

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