The Order of Lighting Hanukkah Candles: Your Quick Guide to Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. One of the most cherished traditions is lighting the Hanukkah menorah (also called a hanukkiah). The order of lighting Hanukkah candles follows both spiritual and practical guidelines rooted in Jewish tradition.

Each night of Hanukkah, one additional candle is added, beginning with a single candle on the first night and culminating with all eight candles lit on the final night. There is also a central candle called the shamash, which is used to light the others. The general order is as follows:

1. On the first night, place one candle (plus the shamash) in the rightmost holder of the menorah.
2. Each subsequent night, add one candle to the left of the previous night’s candle.
3. When lighting, use the shamash to light the newest candle first (the one farthest to the left), then proceed to light the rest of the candles from left to right.

Blessings are recited before lighting the candles. On the first night, three blessings are said; on the following nights, only two are recited. After saying the blessings, the candles are lit, typically after nightfall.

As a designer, I find that placement and atmosphere are crucial for such a meaningful tradition. The menorah should be displayed where its light is visible, often in a window, symbolizing the miracle for all to see. Optimizing the area for ritual and ambiance, I recommend arranging your space so that the menorah is safe from drafts and clutter but remains a visually striking centerpiece. If you’re styling your home for Hanukkah, using a home designer tool can help simulate how best to showcase your menorah, balancing safety, tradition, and aesthetics.

Tips 1:

Ensure your menorah is placed on a stable, nonflammable surface away from curtains or paper. Accentuate the space with blue and white décor to enhance the festive feel.

FAQ

Q: Which candle do you light first on Hanukkah?

A: Always light the newest candle first, starting from the left, using the shamash each night.

Q: Where should I place my menorah?

A: Tradition suggests displaying the menorah near a window, so the light is visible to the outside, symbolizing the Hanukkah miracle.

Q: What blessings are recited when lighting the Hanukkah candles?

A: There are typically two blessings recited each night, with a third blessing (the Shehecheyanu) added on the first night.

Q: What is the purpose of the shamash candle?

A: The shamash is used to light the other Hanukkah candles and is usually set apart or higher than the other candles on the menorah.

Q: Is it necessary to use traditional wax candles?

A: While many use wax candles, oil lamps are also traditional. The focus is on the act of bringing light, not the specific material used.