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Why are Hanukkah candles lit before Sabbath candles on Friday evening?
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Hanukkah
Lighting the menorah in celebration of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah candles are typically lit after sundown; however, they are lit before the Friday-evening Sabbath candles because of the religious prohibition against kindling a fire once the Sabbath has begun. By lighting the Hanukkah candles first, observers ensure they fulfill the ritual requirement of the festival without violating the laws of the Sabbath.12