How to Light Hanukkah Candles

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.

Can I Use an Electric Menorahs?

Yes you can use an electric menorah if an oil or candle menorah is not an option for you, such as for safety or you live somewhere where open flames are not allowed like a dorm. Some rabbis say it does not fulfill the religious obligation of the holiday and that candle or oil menorahs are preferred for fulfilling the mitzvah, but electric ones are acceptable substitutes in certain situations.

What if I Miss a Night of Hanukkah?

If you miss a night of Hanukkah, you can't make it up by going double duty the next night, and you should just resume lighting with the correct number of candles the next night. 

Do I Need a Special Menorah?

You don't need a special menorah but you should use the nicest menorah you can afford!

What Makes a Menorah Kosher?

The menorah has eight candles that have to be in a straight line, with the shamash, the leader candle differentiated. And the candles should be evenly spaced a finger’s length apart. A pretty standard menorah style has the shamash raised in the center and four candles on either side.  But that is not the only option! You can also have the candles in a straight line with the shamash to one side. 

How Many Hanukkah Candles Do I Need for All 8 Nights?

You need 44 Hanukkah candles, luckily a pack includes exactly that!