Hanukkah 2026
How to Light the Menorah
Updated 24 October 20266 min read
Quick answer
Each night, place candles from right to left (one on night one, eight on night eight), light the shamash first, say the blessings, then light the candles from left to right, newest first. Candles should burn at least 30 minutes after nightfall. In 2026 the first night is Friday, December 4, so light the menorah before the Shabbat candles that evening.
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How many candles you need
A Hanukkah menorah holds eight candles plus the shamash, the helper candle that lights the others. You add one candle each night, so the holiday uses 44 candles in total: 36 for the eight nights plus one shamash per night. Standard boxes hold exactly 44.
Standard Hanukkah candles burn about 30 minutes. That's enough on weeknights, but the Friday-night lighting needs longer candles or oil.
- Night 1: 1 candle + shamash
- Night 8: 8 candles + shamash
- Whole holiday: 44 candles
Placing and lighting: right to left, then left to right
Facing the menorah, place the first night's candle on the far right. Each following night, add one candle to the left of the previous ones.
To light, kindle the shamash first and hold it while you say the blessings. Then light the newest candle (the leftmost) first and continue to the right. Return the shamash to its own holder.
The blessings (English transliteration)
Two blessings are said every night, and a third is added on the first night only.
- 1. Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Chanukah. (Blessed are You… who commanded us to light the Hanukkah lights.)
- 2. Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam, she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh. (…who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this season.)
- 3. First night only: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higiyanu lazman hazeh. (…who has kept us alive and brought us to this season.)
When and where to light
Most people light at nightfall, and some at sundown; the lights should burn for at least 30 minutes after dark. The menorah is placed where it can be seen, traditionally in a window facing the street or by the doorway opposite the mezuzah.
On Friday, light the menorah before the Shabbat candles and before sunset, using candles long enough to last into the night. On Saturday night, light after Shabbat ends; families differ on whether that's before or after Havdalah.
Hanukkah 2026, night by night
The first candle is lit on Friday, December 4, and the eighth on Friday, December 11. Two of the nights fall on a Friday, so plan for longer candles on both.
- Night 1: Fri, Dec 4 (before Shabbat candles)
- Night 2: Sat, Dec 5 (after Shabbat ends)
- Nights 3–7: Sun, Dec 6 to Thu, Dec 10
- Night 8: Fri, Dec 11 (before Shabbat candles)
Safety and supplies
Set the menorah on a heat-proof tray away from curtains, and never leave it burning unattended. Keep a spare box of candles, since they break and sell out close to the holiday. If you're shopping for a first menorah, check that the eight lights sit in a straight row at the same height, with the shamash set apart.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which way do you light the menorah?
Place candles from right to left, adding one each night on the left. Light them from left to right, so the newest candle is always lit first, using the shamash.
How many candles do you need for Hanukkah?
44 in total: 36 for the eight nights plus one shamash per night. A standard box of Hanukkah candles holds 44.
What do you say when lighting the menorah?
Two blessings every night: one on lighting the Hanukkah lights and one for the miracles. On the first night add the Shehecheyanu. The full transliterations are above.
What time do you light the menorah?
At nightfall (some light at sundown), so the candles burn at least 30 minutes after dark. On Friday, light before the Shabbat candles; on Saturday, after Shabbat ends.
When is the first night of Hanukkah 2026?
Friday, December 4, 2026. Light the menorah before the Shabbat candles that evening, with candles long enough to burn well after dark.
Can you use an electric menorah?
Electric menorahs are popular for display, but most authorities hold that a real flame (candles or oil) is needed for the mitzvah.