The Reason For The Eight Lights and Fewer On the Hanukiahs worldwide

Singapore Hanukah Lights

I remember seeing a giant Hanukiah in central Orchard Road in Singapore. Only three candles were lit. I thought, 'What a shame. They have spent a lot of money making that lovely sculpture, monument, and the electrics have failed.'

I did not realise that it was the third day of Hanukah so three lights are lit. I discovered this when a girl from London arrived to stay and she had brought with her a candelabra, a candle holder, and a set of candles, which she left with me as a gift.

London Lights For Hanukah

 In Central London the best known location is Trafalgar Square. It has the largest Hanukiah in Europe. The lights are lit up from the first day of Hanukah, on December 14 until the last day, eight days later, Dec 22.

 Hanukah is a Jewish festival, celebrating the lighting of the candles in the temple in Jerusalem, when Jews were able to rededicate the temple after the Roman leader had tried to install Roman Gods. The story goes that there was not enough pure oil, the Romans had sacrificed a pig, deliberately to desecrate the temple. I don't know why it was so difficult to get a supply of oil. However, it seems that it took eight days, but the little oil they had which should have lasted only one day, lasted eight days, a miracle.

The Candles of  Hanukiah

The festival is also called the Festival of Lights. On the first day, one candle is lit. One the second day a second candle. Until on the last day all eight are lit.

Sets of Candles

If you buy hanukiah and a set of candles, you will have a box of 44 candles. Not just eight. Why so many? I automatically tried to add them up, 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8, plus 8 more for the central, more rarely on the side, candle used to light the others. The usual way of counting is starting with two on day one, the first candle and the helper candle, called a shamach. 1+1=2,  ... 8+1=9.

Oil Based Food

In synagogues and other places where celebrations are held. oil based food, usually donuts, is served. Greeting cards will show oil and oil based food.

 Often children are supplied with kits to make a hanukiah during the 8 days, on the first day. You may have to go early and sign up in advance, because the number of kits may depend on the budget for the number of children expected.

Did Jesus Celebrate Hanukah?

Yes. Jesus celebrated the festival, the Feast of Dedication, as it was then called, as recorded in the New Testament in the gospel of John 10.22.

Useful Websites About Hanukah

Wikipedia Hanukah

Haukah candles

Hanukah history

Update on Dec 15 2025

https://www.thetimes.com/world/australasia/article/sydney-shooting-antisemitism-attack-jewish-holiday-chanukkah-zkk6dvt7d

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