when do you light the menorah 2025

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Nature

You generally light the Hanukkah menorah each night right around the beginning of the night, not during the day. The exact clock time depends on your location and on your community’s custom.

Usual time each night

Most communities light either at sunset or a little after, when it is fully dark and stars are visible. In all cases, the candles should be able to burn for at least about 30 minutes into full nightfall.

Special Friday and Saturday rules

On Friday night of Hanukkah, the menorah is lit earlier than usual, before Shabbat candles and before sunset, but with enough oil or long candles so the flames last until at least about 30 minutes after nightfall. On Saturday night, the menorah is lit only after Shabbat ends, typically right after the havdalah ceremony.

If you meant the year 2025

In 2025, the first light is on the evening of Sunday, December 14, and one more candle is added each night through the last lighting on the evening of Monday, December 22. Local Jewish calendars or synagogue schedules can give exact times for your city each night.