Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights, but why do we even light Hanukkah candles on menorahs anyway? Hanukkah is about the miracle of one night worth of candle oil lasting for 8 nights after the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees' victory.

What are the prayers for the first night of Hanukkah again?? Here is an easy reference for you! And if we still need a menorah? We have those for you too!

The Blessings:

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tsivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha'olam, she-asah nisim la'avoteinu v'imoteinu bayamim hahaeim baz'man hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wondrous acts for our ancestors in days of old at this season.

On the first night, we add:

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha'olam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higianu laz'man hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.

Which Way to Light a Menorah

Each night, we add one more candle to the menorah, adding from right to left (just like Hebrew!). The first night (after sunset) we just light the shammus (the taller candle) and use that candle to light the furthest candle on the right, while saying the prayers below. The second night, we add one more candle, and use the shammus, light the two candles from left to right. Repeat each night until the whole menorah is lit! In short, add the candles from right to left and light from left to right (newest candle first).

How Long Should the Hanukkah Candles Burn?

The candles should be lit after dark, and remain lit for at least 30 minutes after nightfall.