How to Light Your Chanukiah

The Jacob family shows us how it is down.

One candle is added to the menorah each night. The first night, you light only the shammus (the one at a different height) and one Chanukkah candle. By the eighth night, you light all of the candles.

Candles should be added to the menorah from right to left (like Hebrew writing). The shammus candle is lit first. While holding the shammus candle, recite the blessings.

Blessing over Candles:
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu l'had'lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amen)

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe who has sanctified us with Gods commandments and commanded us to light the lights of Chanukkah.

Blessing for Chanukkah:
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (Amen)

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.

Shehecheyanu (first night only):
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. (Amen)

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.

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After reciting the blessings, use the shammus to light the Chanukkah candles from left to right (newest to oldest). Candles should be left burning until they go out on their own. They must burn for more than half an hour.

Please note: Since the first night of Chanukah falls on Friday night, we light the Chanukah candles and then the Shabbat Candles.