Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
As Passover approaches, many Jewish families prepare for the eight-day holiday, commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt.
And lighting candles during holidays is a common practice in many religious traditions, and Passover is no exception.
But do you light candles on the second night of Passover? Well, let’s find out. Read on.
Do You Light The Candles On The Second Evening Of Passover?
Yes, candles are lit on the second night of Passover and should be lit from an existing flames.
The second night of Passover is integral to the holiday, marking the night the Israelites crossed the Red Sea.
Some Jewish families do this to remember the miracle of their escape from slavery.
Lighting candles on the second night of Passover is a symbolic way to commemorate the miracle of the Israelites’ deliverance and the power of God.
The candles are lit at sundown, and each family member may light their candle, or one can be lit for the entire family.
“Passover has a message for the conscience and the heart of all mankind. For what does it commemorate? It commemorates the deliverance of a people from degrading slavery, from most foul and cruel tyranny. And so, it is Israel’s—nay, God’s protest against unrighteousness, whether individual or national.”
– Morris Joseph, English Rabbi
It is then placed in a window or near the dinner table to add a special element of light and warmth to the evening.
Also, some families recite a special blessing or prayer before lighting the candles [1].
This tradition helps to bring families together in a special way to remember and celebrate the special significance of the holiday.
What Occurs On The Second Day Of Passover?
The second day of Passover continues the week-long celebration of the Jewish people’s liberation from slavery in Egypt [2].
Jews typically attend synagogue services, reciting special prayers and reading from the Torah.
Plus, some families may engage in a Passover seder, a ceremonial meal that recounts the story of the Exodus and includes specific foods such as matzah and bitter herbs.
Besides that, the second day of the memorable holiday is a time for reflection and gratitude, as Jews give thanks for their freedom and reflect on the journey that led them to where they are today.
How Many Candles Must Be Lit During Passover?
Specifically, it is customary to light two candles on the first and second nights of Passover.
These candles symbolize the holiday’s message of hope and renewal.
And they are lit just before sundown and are left burning until they go out on their own, which typically takes about an hour and a half.
What Colors Are Used For Lighting Candles On Passover?
It is common to use white candles, as they symbolize purity and holiness in Jewish tradition.
But some people choose to use candles specifically marketed for Passover, which may be decorated with images and colors commonly associated with the holiday, such as the Star of David or the colors blue and white.
Even so, the color of the candles used for Passover is a personal preference.
And most important is lighting the candles, which serves as a way to bring light and meaning to the holiday.
Does Passover Have Two Seders?
Yes, most Jews elsewhere have two Seders during Passover, which is celebrated on the first and second nights of the holiday.
During the Seder, participants drink four cups of wine or grape juice, eat matzah (unleavened bread), and partake in various symbolic foods such as bitter herbs and a roasted lamb shank bone.
The Seder is a time for Jewish communities and families to unite to honor their heritage and carry on their customs and stories to the next generation.
Why Is The Passover Seder Held Over Two Nights?
Passover Seder is held over two nights because of an overabundance of caution or a historical difference in how the holiday was observed in ancient times.
The practice of celebrating Passover for two nights dates back to when the Jewish calendar was based on observations of the new moon through two legitimate witnesses. Still, it could only sometimes be precisely determined.
Many distant Jewish communities needed help getting a reliable source from Jerusalem. Thus the holiday was observed for an extra day to ensure that the holiday was observed correctly on the correct date.
Today, the two-night observance of the Seder is a continuation of this tradition and is an important part of the Passover holiday for many Jewish communities worldwide.
Related Posts:
- 6 Easy Ways To Explain Passover To A Child
- 10 Things You Can Bring To Someone’s House For The First Time
FAQs
What occurs throughout the seven days of Passover?
Throughout the seven days of Passover, Jewish people abstain from consuming leavened bread and eat matzah, an unleavened bread. Also, Jews must not attend school or work.
Find out when you should stop consuming bread for Passover here.
What does “four cups of wine” at Passover mean?
The four cups of wine represent God’s four promises of redemption to the Israelites in the Bible.
Each cup is associated with a specific part of the Seder and is accompanied by prayers and blessings that help to retell the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.
What do candles symbolize during Passover?
While the Passover candle itself has no true symbolic meaning, its light or flames serve as a reminder of the significance of keeping the fragile frame of freedom alive in the world.
Why do Jews light two candles every Sabbath?
Jewish families light two candles every Sabbath, marking the division between light and darkness depicted in the story of Creation.
Plus, it has two purposes: first, as a reminder of the two commandments to remember and observe the Shabbat, and second, as a way to sanctify and honor the day.
Key Takeaways
The second night of Passover is a time to reflect on God’s miracles in leading the Jewish people out of slavery.
Lighting candles is a meaningful way to commemorate this momentous event and to remember that God is always with us in times of trouble.
So, whether or not you decide to light candles on the second night of Passover, take a moment to pause and be thankful for the many blessings in your life.
References:
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/shopping/benefits-of-candles
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/things-to-know-before-traveling-to-egypt
- What To Wear To A College Party For Guys: 10 Outfits (2023) - March 24, 2023
- How To Throw A Hotel Party & Not Get Busted: Full Guide - March 24, 2023
- How To Make A Backdrop For A Party: Full Guide (2023 Updated) - March 24, 2023