How to Light the Hanukkah Candles

Each night one candle is added. The candles are placed from right to left and lit from left to right, always beginning with that night's new candle. Choose a night to see the order.

1. Place the candles from right to left: on the first night, one candle at the far right of the menorah; each night a new candle is added to the left of the previous ones.
2. Light the shamash, the helper candle used to light the others. It stands apart, higher up or to the side.
3. Recite the candle-lighting blessings.
4. Light from left to right: first that night's new candle, then the others, moving to the right.
5. After lighting, sing “Hanerot Halalu”.

Night 1

On the first night, place a single candle at the far right of the menorah and light it.

Night 2

On the second night, place 2 candles from right to left. Light the new candle first – the one furthest to the left – and continue to the right.

Night 3

On the third night, place 3 candles from right to left. Light the new candle first – the one furthest to the left – and continue to the right.

Night 4

On the fourth night, place 4 candles from right to left. Light the new candle first – the one furthest to the left – and continue to the right.

Night 5

On the fifth night, place 5 candles from right to left. Light the new candle first – the one furthest to the left – and continue to the right.

Night 6

On the sixth night, place 6 candles from right to left. Light the new candle first – the one furthest to the left – and continue to the right.

Night 7

On the seventh night, place 7 candles from right to left. Light the new candle first – the one furthest to the left – and continue to the right.

Night 8

On the eighth night, place 8 candles from right to left. Light the new candle first – the one furthest to the left – and continue to the right.