How To Light a Hanukkah Menorah

Here's How:

1. What to Light
   Buy or make a Hanukkah Menorah (also called a Hanukkiah). The Menorah should have eight candle holders in a row and a separate candle holder for the "Shamash." The Shamash candle is used to light the other eight candles since it is forbidden to use the Hanukkah lights for any purpose other than viewing.
2. Where to Light
   To best publicize the miracle, the Hanukkah Menorah is ideally lit outside the doorway of your house, on the left side when entering. If this is not practical, then the Menorah should be lit in a window facing the public thoroughfare. If the Menorah cannot be lit by the window, it may be lit inside the house on a table, which at least fulfills the mitzvah of "publicizing the miracle" for members of the household.
3. When to Light
   The Menorah should preferably be lit immediately at nightfall. If necessary, however, the Menorah can be lit late into the night. It is best to wait until all members of the household are present to light the Menorah. The Menorah should remain lit for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. On Friday afternoon, the Menorah should be lit before sundown.
4. How to Light on the First Night
   On the first night, place one candle in the Menorah's far right (as you face the Menorah) candle holder. Another candle is placed for the Shamash (helper candle). Say the below blessings and then light the candle using the Shamash candle.
5. First Blessing to Recite
   Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom Asher Kiddeshonu Be-mitsvoysov Ve-tsivonu Lehadlik Neyr Shel khanuko.
   Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.
6. Second Blessing to Recite
   Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-oso Nissim La-avoseynu Ba-yyomim Ho-heym Ba-zzman Ha-zze.
   Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.
7. Third Blessing to Recite (only on the first night of Hanukkah)
   Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-hekheyonu Ve-kiymonu Ve-higgi'onu La-zzman Ha-zze.
   Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this time.
8. How to Light on the Second through Eighth Night
   The second night, place two candles in the Menorah's far right (as you face the Menorah) candle holders. Another candle is placed for the Shamash (helper candle). Say the first two blessings above and then light the candles using the Shamash candle. Light the left-most candle first and then light in order, from left to right. Follow this procedure for each night of Hanukkah.
9. Hanerot Halalu
   While lighting the candles themselves, Hanerot Halalu is traditionally recited.
10. Maoz Tzur
    Once the candles have been lit, Maoz Tzur is traditionally sung.

Tips:

1. Allow each child to light their own Hanukkah menorah. Even three and four-year-olds can light candles with help. Line the table on which the menorahs stand with aluminum foil. It is really beautiful to have a group of Menorahs all lit together, especially on the eighth night.
2. Sing Maoz Tzur and other Hanukkah songs together after lighting the Menorah.
3. Play the dreidel game together after lighting the Menorah.
4. Eat Hanukkah food, like latkas and donuts, together after lighting the Menorah.
5. Invite relatives and friends to light the Menorah with you, and celebrate together with Hanukkah songs, games and food.

What You Need:

• Hanukkah Menorah (also called a Chanukiah)
• Candles or Olive Oil with Wicks
• Matches