Lighting the menorah follows a simple pattern once you know the order and basics. What follows is a widely used, mainstream practice; specific family or community customs may vary slightly.
Basic setup
- Use a Hanukkah menorah with 8 candle (or oil) holders in a row and a separate, higher or lower “helper” light called the shamash.
- Place the menorah on a stable, nonflammable surface, away from curtains or drafts, where the lights can be seen (for example, near a window).
When and how long
- Light the menorah at night during each of the 8 nights of Hanukkah, usually around or just after nightfall, according to your community’s custom.
- Make sure there is enough wax or oil for the lights to burn for at least about 30 minutes after nightfall.
Placing the candles
- Put the candles into the menorah from right to left as you face it: on night 1, one candle on the far right; on night 2, add a new candle immediately to its left, and so on up to 8.
- The shamash goes in its separate holder (often higher or in the center) and is not counted as one of the 8 Hanukkah lights.
Lighting order each night
- First, light the shamash with a match or lighter and say the Hanukkah blessings while holding it (three blessings on the first night, usually two on the remaining nights; wording varies by tradition).
- Then use the shamash to light the Hanukkah candles from left to right, always lighting the newest (left‑most) candle first, then move toward the right.
While the candles burn
- Return the still‑lit shamash to its holder and let all the lights burn undisturbed; do not use them as a light source for everyday tasks.
- Many people recite short Hanukkah prayers or songs and stay near the menorah for at least the first part of the burning time.
