How To: Light the Menorah on the eight days of Chanukah

When Christians are out celebrating Christmas this year, Judaists will be out celebrating Hanukkah, or Chanukah, which is a lesser Jewish festival that lasts eight days from the 25th day of Kislev (December), and commemorating the rededication of the Temple; it is marked by the successive kindling of eight lights.

This animated video, produced by Jewish Pathways, demonstrates how to light the Menorah on the eight days of Chanukah. In Judaism, the Hanukkah Menorah (also called the Chanukkiyah) is a sacred candelabrum, spouting eight branches for candles. There is also a ninth holder (shamash) to hold the candle that is used to light all of the other candles.

On the first night of Chanukah, it's very simple; light the shamash, recite your blessings and then light the first candle with the shamash. On the second night of Chanukah, you add a candle, for a total of two, and repeat the process, but you light the newest candle first. Now, don't forget to spin the dreidel and eat some latkes after you light all of the candles on the eighth day.