Lighting the Hanukkah menorah is one of the most meaningful traditions of Chanukah. Each night, Jewish families kindle lights to commemorate the miracle of the oil in the Beis Hamikdash (Holy Temple) and celebrate the victory of the Chashmonaim.

Whether you're lighting a menorah for the first time or reviewing the proper order of the candles, this guide explains how to light a Hanukkah menorah, when to light, which direction to follow, and the special customs for Shabbos.

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What Do You Need to Light a Hanukkah Menorah?

Before lighting your menorah, gather the following:

• A Chanukah menorah: A suitable chanukiah with eight places for the Chanukah lights and a separate shamash.
• Chanukah candles or olive oil: Enough for the required number of lights each night.
• A shamash: The additional light used to kindle the other lights.
• Matches or a lighter: For safely lighting the shamash or oil wicks.
• A safe location: A stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials.

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Step 1: Place the Menorah in the Proper Location

The mitzvah of Chanukah lighting includes pirsumei nisa, publicizing the miracle.

Depending on family custom and local circumstances, the menorah may be placed near a doorway or by a window where its lights can be seen.

Choose a secure, level, heat-resistant location. Keep the menorah away from curtains, decorations, and other flammable objects.

Step 2: Arrange the Hanukkah Candles

When facing the menorah, begin by placing the first Chanukah candle in the rightmost position among the eight main lights.

On each following night, add one new candle immediately to the left of the candles from previous nights.

For example:

• First night: One candle on the far right.
• Second night: Two candles, starting from the right.
• Third night: Three candles, starting from the right.
• Eighth night: All eight Chanukah candles are in place.

The shamash is placed in its designated position, separate from the eight Chanukah lights.

Step 3: Recite the Chanukah Blessings

Before lighting the Chanukah candles, recite the appropriate brachos (blessings).

First Night of Chanukah

On the first night, three blessings are traditionally recited:

1. Lehadlik Ner Shel Chanukah: The blessing over the mitzvah of kindling the Chanukah lights.
2. She'asah Nissim: Thanking Hashem for performing miracles for our ancestors.
3. Shehecheyanu: Thanking Hashem for bringing us to this special occasion.

Second Through Eighth Nights

On the remaining nights, the first two blessings are recited. Shehecheyanu is ordinarily omitted after the first night.

The exact wording and pronunciation of the blessings may vary according to Ashkenazic, Sephardic, and other community customs. Use a reliable Chanukah brachos card or siddur that follows your minhag.

Step 4: Light the Candles in the Correct Order

According to the widely followed custom, candles are added from right to left, but lit from left to right.

After reciting the brachos, begin lighting the newest candle, which is the leftmost candle for that night. Continue lighting toward the right.

For example, on the third night, light the third candle first, then the second, and finally the first.

Use the shamash to kindle the Chanukah lights.

Hanukkah Candle Lighting Order for All Eight Nights

The following table shows the number of Chanukah lights required each night, not including the shamash.

For one menorah, you will need 44 candles over the eight nights when using one shamash each night.

What Time Do You Light the Hanukkah Menorah?

The proper time to light the Chanukah menorah depends on halachic tradition and local sunset times.

Some communities light shortly after sunset (shkiah), while others light after nightfall (tzeis hakochavim).

Consult your community's calendar or Rav for the appropriate lighting time.

On ordinary weeknights, the Chanukah lights must contain enough fuel or candle length to burn for at least half an hour after the applicable halachic nightfall time.

How to Light the Menorah on Friday Before Shabbos

When Chanukah falls on Friday, the menorah must be lit before Shabbos begins.

The proper order is:

1. Prepare the Chanukah menorah with sufficiently long candles or enough oil.
2. Light the Chanukah menorah before lighting the Shabbos candles, according to the customary procedure.
3. Light the Shabbos candles at the appropriate time.
4. Ensure the Chanukah lights can burn until at least half an hour after nightfall.

Ordinary short Chanukah candles may not burn long enough on Friday. Use longer candles or a suitable oil setup.

Never light or relight candles after Shabbos has begun.

How to Light the Menorah on Motzaei Shabbos

On Saturday night, Chanukah lighting takes place after Shabbos has ended.

Customs differ regarding whether Havdalah or Chanukah lighting comes first, particularly between home and synagogue practice.

Follow your family's minhag and make sure Shabbos has ended before lighting a flame or performing other activities prohibited on Shabbos.

Olive Oil vs. Candles: Which Should You Use?

Both suitable candles and oil lamps can be used for Chanukah lighting.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is preferred by many Jewish families because the Chanukah miracle involved oil in the Beis Hamikdash.

Oil menorahs use small cups and wicks to produce a steady flame.

Chanukah Candles

Chanukah candles are convenient, widely available, and come in different colors and sizes.

Choose candles that fit securely in your menorah and burn for the required length of time.

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Important Menorah Lighting Safety Tips

• Place your menorah on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface.
• Keep candles and oil flames away from curtains, paper, and decorations.
• Never leave a burning menorah unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from open flames.
• Use candles and oil containers designed for safe menorah lighting.
• Allow the menorah to cool completely before moving or cleaning it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting a Hanukkah Menorah

Do you light Hanukkah candles from left to right or right to left?

According to the widely followed custom, the candles are placed from right to left as new lights are added each night. They are lit from left to right, beginning with the newest candle.

How many candles do you light on the first night of Hanukkah?

One Chanukah candle is lit on the first night, along with the shamash.

How many candles do you need for all eight nights?

One menorah requires 44 candles in total, including one shamash per night.

Do you say the blessings before or after lighting?

The Chanukah brachos are recited before lighting the mitzvah candles.

Can you use an electric menorah?

Electric menorahs are generally used for decoration or public display and are not considered a substitute for traditional candle or oil lighting for fulfilling the mitzvah.

How long should Hanukkah candles burn?

The lights must have sufficient fuel to burn for at least half an hour after the relevant halachic nightfall time. The exact requirement depends on the time and circumstances of lighting.

Can children light their own menorah?

Children may participate in Chanukah lighting according to family and community customs. Adults should supervise all use of open flames.

What happens if a Hanukkah candle goes out?

If the menorah was properly lit with sufficient fuel in a suitable location, the basic halachic principle is that the lighting itself fulfills the mitzvah. If a candle goes out, the appropriate response can depend on the circumstances, so consult a reliable halachic guide.

Learn More About Hanukkah Menorahs

Explore our related Chanukah guides to learn more about the history, symbolism, and traditions of the menorah.

• What Is a Hanukkah Menorah? Meaning, History and Traditions
• Menorah vs. Chanukiah: What Is the Difference?

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