---
title: "How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners"
description: The most central ritual of Hanukkah is lighting the menorah–it is the Festival of Lights after all! Whether you're lighting the menorah for the first time or want to refresh your knowledge, this guide will help you understand how to light the Hanukkah menorah correctly.
image: https://learn.recustom.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Recustom%20Newsletter%20Horizontal%20Template%20(9)-1.png
---
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# How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
[Recustom Team](https://learn.recustom.com/author/recustom-team) Dec 12, 2024 12:47:33 PM
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The most central ritual of Hanukkah is lighting the menorah–it is the Festival of Lights after all! Whether you're lighting the menorah for the first time or want to refresh your knowledge, this guide will help you understand how to light the Hanukkah menorah correctly.
# **What’s the Difference Between a Menorah and a Hanukkiah?**
Technically, a menorah that’s used for Hanukkah is called a *Hanukkiah*. A menorah is a candelabrum–specifically, it’s a seven-branched candelabrum used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. It’s a symbol of Jewish faith and a reminder of divine light.
A *Hanukkiah* is a special menorah used during Hanukkah. It’s different from a standard menorah in that it has nine branches: one for each night of the holiday and a separate holder for the *shamash*, the "helper" candle used to light the others. The *Hanukkiah* is unique to Hanukkah and is used to commemorate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the rededicated Temple.
A *Hanukkiah* is a type of menorah, but not all menorahs are *Hanukkiahs*. So your first step to lighting the menorah is to make sure you have a *Hanukkiah!*
# **Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah**
Lighting the Hanukkah menorah is a meaningful tradition. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide on how to light the menorah each night of Hanukkah:
## **1. Place the Menorah by a Windowsill**
Tradition calls for positioning your menorah in a place where it can be seen from the outside–such as a windowsill or near the front door.
## **2. Set Up the Candles**
To load a hanukkiah, place one candle in the middle spot for the helper candle, the *shamash*–some hanukkiahs may not have the *shamash* in the middle. If that’s the case, then
The *shamash* is typically the candle that’s at a different level than the rest to be separate from the miracle of each night. Next, place one candle for each night, commonly starting from right to left–the same direction in which you read Hebrew text. So on the first night of Hanukkah, you’ll have two candles–the *shamash*, and one candle on the far right. On the second night of Hanukkah, you’ll have three candles–the *shamash*, two candles on the far right, and so on.
## **3. Recite the Blessings**
Before lighting the candles, say the blessings. On the first night, we say three blessings: one for the commandment to light Hanukkah candles, one for the miracle that was performed for our ancestors in the time of the Maccabees, and the shehecheyanu. On all subsequent nights, we say the first two blessings, but not the shehecheyanu. You can find all of the blessings in our [Menorah Blessings](https://www.recustom.com/books/154778) book.
Note: If lighting the menorah on Shabbat (Friday night), the menorah should be lit before the Shabbat candles. So you’ll say the Hanukkah blessings, light the Hanukkah candles, and then move on to the Shabbat candles and blessings.
## **4. Light the Menorah Candles**
Now that the blessings are recited, use the *shamash* to light the first candle. On subsequent nights, continue lighting from left to right, using the *shamash* to light the newest candle first.
## **5. Sing Songs and Enjoy the Moment**
After lighting the menorah, take time to sing your favorite traditional Hanukkah songs! Some traditional favorites include the traditional [*Maoz Tzur* (Rock of Ages)](https://www.recustom.com/clips/3910508), [Hanukkah oh Hanukkah](https://www.recustom.com/clips/3910504), or the [Dreidel Song](https://www.recustom.com/clips/3910506).
# **Alternative Rituals for Lighting the Menorah**
Looking to bring more meaning and ritual into your menorah lighting experience this year? Consider incorporating one (or multiple!) of these rituals into your process.
## **1. Dedicate Your Candles Each Night of Hanukkah**
Use our candle lighting dedications book to build a nightly theme into your menorah experience. These prompts will help you deepen your understanding of Hanukkah and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
## **2. Write Your Own Blessings**
If the traditional Hanukkah blessings don’t resonate with you, or if you want to supplement them with something more personal, try writing your own blessing. Maybe make a list of all of the things you’re grateful for, or of all of the places you are finding light in the world. You can also try making a list of all of the miracles in your life.
## **3. Make an Edible Menorah**
Supplement your candle menorah with an edible menorah. [Here are some fun family-friendly ideas.](https://www.recustom.com/clips/3910370) Instead of lighting the flames, take a bite out of your tasty treat!
# **Why Do We Light the Hanukkah Menorah?**
The Hanukkah menorah isn't just a beautiful decoration—it’s a symbol of faith, hope, and resilience. The ritual of lighting the menorah each night recalls the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days after the destruction of the Temple.
Whether you're lighting the menorah for the first time or celebrating your 70th Hanukkah, you’re participating in a tradition that has lasted for thousands of years, adding your own light to the world and honoring the legacy and resilience of the Jewish people.
**Hanukkah Sameach!**
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