How to Light Hanukkah Candles


Guide Note:Lighting Hanukkah candles on the menorah is a vital part of observing Hanukkah. However, if you have never done so, or you're a tad rusty, How to Light Hanukkah Candles will illuminate your way through this time-honored tradition.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

  • There is a protocol for lighting the candles on the menorah, and this guide will help you celebrate Hanukkah in the traditional fashion.

Step 1: What You Will Need

  • Matches (at least 8)

Step 2: Where and When

  • Displaying the light from your candles is an important part of Hanukkah. Try to place your menorah so that passersby can see it. Lighting your menorah in a window or open door is ideal.
  • Light the candles at nightfall, and let them burn for at least 30 minutes. The one exception is for Friday, due to the Sabbath. To avoid lighting the candles on the Sabbath, light them before sunset. It's all right if they remain lit while it gets dark.

Step 3: Lighting the Menorah

The shamash lights the first candle. Photo by Mahalo
The shamash lights the first candle. Photo by Mahalo
  • Lighting the menorah is not complicated, but there is an order you must adhere to when doing so. Each candle is lit by one central candle, the shamash or service candle. Both the shamash and the other candles remain lit until they burn out.
  • Saying the Hanukkah blessings are just as important as lighting the candles so make sure that you know the blessings before you start. The blessings can be found in Step 4 of this page.

Lighting the Menorah

  1. On the first night of Hanukkah, place a candle in the menorah starting at the far right. Light the shamash and then light the one candle. Place the shamash in its spot on the menorah (usually located at the center), and let both candles burn.
  2. On the second night of Hanukkah, place two candles at the far right of the menorah. Taking the lit shamash, proceed to light the two candles. Place the shamash in its spot on the menorah, and let all the candles burn.
  3. On the third night of Hanukkah, place three candles at the far right of the menorah. Taking the lit shamash, proceed to light the three candles. Place the shamash in its spot on the menorah, and let all the candles burn.
  4. On the fourth night of Hanukkah, place four candles at the far right of the menorah. Taking the lit shamash, proceed to light the four candles. Place the shamash in its spot on the menorah, and let all the candles burn. Most menorahs have four candle spots on the right and left and one in the middle for the shamash. After the fourth night you should have all the candles on the right side lit.
    The shamash and first two candles. Photo by Mahalo
    The shamash and first two candles. Photo by Mahalo
  5. On the fifth night of Hanukkah, place five candles at the far right of the menorah. You will have four candles right of the center (shamash) and one immediately to the left of the center of the menorah. Taking the lit shamash, proceed to light the five candles. Place the shamash in its spot on the menorah, and let all the candles burn.
  6. On the sixth night of Hanukkah, place six candles at the far right of the menorah. You will place two candles immediately left of the center of the menorah. Taking the lit shamash, proceed to light the six candles. Place the shamash in its spot on the menorah, and let all the candles burn.
  7. On the seventh night of Hanukkah, place seven candles at the far right of the menorah. You will place three candles immediately left of the center of the menorah. Taking the lit shamash, proceed to light the seven candles. Place the shamash in its spot on the menorah, and let all the candles burn.
  8. On the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, place candles in all eight slots of the menorah. Taking the lit shamash, proceed to light all eight candles. Place the shamash in its spot on the menorah, and let all the candles burn.

Make sure that the candles or oil will be able to burn for at least 1/2 hour.

Step 4: Hanukkah Blessings

  • There are three blessings that are recited during the lighting of the menorah. One blessing is recited only on the first night, one blessing is recited before the shamash is lit, and one blessing is recited while the candles are being lit by the shamash.
Lit Menorah. Photo by Mahalo
Lit Menorah. Photo by Mahalo

Shehechiyanu blessing

  • The Shehechiyanu blessing is recited only on the first night of Hanukkah. It signifies that it is the first time you are lighting the Hanukkah lights this year.
  • Shehechiyanu blessing in Hebrew:
    • Ba-ruch a-ta A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam, she-he-chi-yanu ve-kiy'manu ve-higi-anu la'zman ha'zeh
  • Translation: Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who gave us life and kept us and delivered us to this time.

First blessing

  • This blessing thanks G-d for the commandment of lighting the Hanukkah lights. It is recited before lighting any of the candles.
  • Blessing in Hebrew:
    • Ba-ruch a-ta A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam, a-sher kid-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu le-had-lik ner shel cha-nu-kah.
  • Translation: Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.

Second Blessing

  • This blessing praises G-d for the miracle of the eight days of light that the cruse of oil provided in ancient times. This blessing is recited as the candles are being lit by the shamash.
  • Blessing in Hebrew:
    • Ba-ruch a-ta A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam, she-a-sa ni-sim la- avo-tei-nu ba-ya-mim ha-hem ba-zman ha-zeh.
  • Translation: Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors, at this season, in days past.

Resources for How to Light Hanukkah Candles

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