How to Light the Hanukkah Candles
The blessings, the order, and the timing — for all 8 nights.
Lighting the chanukiah is the central mitzvah of Hanukkah. The structure is simple, but a few details matter — which candle is first, which blessings to say tonight, and when to light. Here is the complete step-by-step.
What's the season you're in?
Next step
Free Faith Common account — save guides, traditions, and a personal Hebrew learning track.
Save this guide to your accountSetting up the chanukiah
- A chanukiah (Hanukkah menorah) has 9 candle holders — 8 in a row and 1 (the shamash) raised or set apart.
- Place the chanukiah near a window or doorway so the light is visible to passersby — this is part of the mitzvah of 'pirsumei nisa,' publicizing the miracle.
- Add candles from right to left (the same direction Hebrew is read).
- Light from left to right — the newest candle (the one you just added) is always lit first.
The 3 blessings (first night)
- 1. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. — Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Hanukkah candle.
- 2. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam, she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim hahem baz'man hazeh. — Blessed are You... who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this season.
- 3. (First night only) Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam, shehecheyanu v'kiyemanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. — Blessed are You... who has given us life, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
Nights 2–8
Say blessings 1 and 2 only. The Shehechiyanu (#3) is only said the first night, because it's the first time this year you're performing the mitzvah.
After lighting
- Sing 'Hanerot Halalu' and then 'Maoz Tzur' (Rock of Ages).
- Stay near the candles for the first 30 minutes — don't use the light for any practical purpose; it is only for looking at and remembering.
Special timing notes
- Friday night: Light Hanukkah candles BEFORE Shabbat candles (a few minutes before sunset).
- Saturday night: Light Hanukkah candles AFTER Havdalah.
- If you forget — light any time before dawn.
Find people near you
Reading is better with company. These finders are free and take about a minute.
Readers who loved this also grabbed
Farm & Posh Personalized NIV Bible — Crown of Thorns
Beautiful custom engraving on the cover — perfect for a baptism, confirmation, or a gift you'll actually keep. NIV translation, cross-references, words of Christ in red.
Affiliate — we may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
The Book of Job (Film)
One of the most raw stories in Scripture, brought to the screen. If you're wrestling with 'why do the faithful suffer?', this is worth an evening.
Affiliate — we may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Free Faith Common account — save guides, traditions, and a personal Hebrew learning track.
Save this guide to your accountBrowse all guides, free tools, or search the whole site.