Hanukkah candles are lit in a specific order each night, using a special “helper” candle called the shamash. The pattern is the same all eight nights, with the number of candles increasing.
Basic setup
On a Hanukkah menorah (chanukiah), there are eight spots in a row plus one extra place set higher, lower, or off to the side for the shamash. The eight main candles all need to be in a straight, even row so they are clearly counted as the Hanukkah lights.
When and where to light
Candles are usually lit at night, sometime after sunset, and they should burn for at least about 30 minutes. Many families place the menorah in a window or doorway so the lights are visible from outside, to “publicize the miracle” of Hanukkah.
Placing and lighting order
The key rule is: place candles from right to left, but light them from left to right. On night one, you put one candle on the far right; each night you add one more to its left, then light the newest (left‑most) candle first and move to the right, using the shamash.
Step‑by‑step for a typical night
- Put the candles into the menorah: that night’s number of candles in the eight holders, from right to left, plus the shamash in its separate spot.
- Light the shamash and say the appropriate blessings (three on the first night of the year, two on the other nights).
- Use the shamash to light the Hanukkah candles, starting with the newest (left‑most) one and then moving right.
- Place the still‑burning shamash back in its holder and let all the candles burn down on their own (do not use them for any other purpose).
Special notes
On Friday night, the Hanukkah candles are lit before Shabbat candles, and they should be set up so they can burn longer, since they are lit earlier. Many families recite or sing short prayers or songs such as “Hanerot Halalu” and other Hanukkah songs after lighting.
