Lighting the Menorah

Lighting the Menorah for the Hanukkah celebration is a special skill that follows very traditional steps. Here's how to light this enduring symbol of the historic Jewish holiday.

How to Light the Menorah

Your Menorah should have eight candle holders, plus a separate holder for the "Shamash," which is the candle used to light the other eight candles each night. You should never use one of the eight candles to light the Menorah, that is forbidden according to Jewish faith. Traditionally, Menorahs were lit outside the house, but today, most people place them in a front window, or on a table that can be seen from the outdoors. You should light the Menorah at dusk, but if all the family members aren't present, you can wait to light the candles. It should remain lit for at least 30 minutes, and on Friday, you should light it before sundown.

Lighting on Each Successive Night

One the first night, you should place a candle in the furthest right candle holder as you face the Menorah, and you should light it with the Shamash, and then place the Shamash in its holder. Then recite the following blessings.

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah."

"Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season."

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this time."

Each night after, you should begin placing the candles at the far right, moving to the far left on each successive night, using the Shamash to light each candle. Recite the first two blessings each night, as well.

Hanukkah Traditions

In many families, each child lights their own Menorah, and it can be a visually stunning sight to see all the Menorahs glowing together, especially on the last night of the celebration. Many families also sing Hanukkah songs and Maoz Tzur with each other after they light the candles, too. Lighting the Menorah is a way to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights during the holiday season.