How to Light the Menorah Candles: 1 Minute to Perfectly Light Your Menorah This Hanukkah

Lighting the menorah candles is a cherished tradition during Hanukkah, celebrated by Jewish families worldwide. Each night of Hanukkah, a candle is added and lit, symbolizing the miracle of the olive oil lasting eight days in the ancient Temple. You’ll need a menorah (the nine-branched candelabra), candles, and a safe place to display your menorah, usually by a window to share the miracle with the world. Begin by placing the candles from right to left, adding one additional candle each night, along with the central candle — the shamash (“helper” or “attendant”). When lighting, use the shamash to ignite the new candle first, then proceed left to right, so you light the newest candle first. Recite the appropriate blessings before lighting. Altogether, this ritual adds beauty and reflection to your space each evening. As a designer, I think about how the menorah’s arrangement can enhance your home décor. Consider its placement: a mantelpiece or dedicated console can serve as a focal point, where light plays off surrounding surfaces. Choosing a modern or traditional menorah also lets your personal style shine through. If you’re laying out a holiday display, the relationship between candlelight, reflective surfaces, and your interior’s ambiance becomes an aspect of spatial design itself. For those planning festive settings, exploring a specialized Home Designer tool can help you visualize how the menorah and other holiday accents integrate with your living space.

Tips 1:

Always place your menorah on a fire-resistant surface away from flammable materials. If you have children or pets, consider clear barriers for safety without diminishing the beauty of the candlelight. Cleaning melted wax regularly can also keep your menorah looking its best throughout the festival.

FAQ

Q: Which candle is lit first on the menorah each night?

A: The newest candle added each night is lit first, moving from left to right, using the shamash candle.

Q: What is the shamash candle used for?

A: The shamash candle is used to light all other candles on the menorah, and it is set apart from the other eight.

Q: Where should a menorah be displayed in the home?

A: Traditionally, the menorah is displayed in a window or doorway to share the light with those outside, but safety and visibility are always most important.

Q: What blessings are recited when lighting the menorah?

A: Two blessings are recited each night, and a third (the Shehecheyanu) is added only on the first night.

Q: Can electric menorahs be used instead of candles?

A: While electric menorahs are common for public or safety-focused displays, traditional Hanukkah practice uses real candles or oil.