On Hanukkah one more candle is lit each evening, from one candle on the first night to eight on the eighth, plus the shamash. Candles are placed from right to left, and the newest candle, the leftmost, is lit first. Before lighting, recite the blessings “to light the Hanukkah candle” and “who performed miracles”, and on the first night also “Shehecheyanu”.
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Hanukkah 2026 dates
Hanukkah 2026 (5787) begins on Friday, December 4, 2026, and ends on Saturday, December 12, 2026. This year both the first and the eighth candles fall on a Friday.
| Night | Date | Candles | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friday, 4 December 2026 | 1 | Before Shabbat candles |
| 2 | Saturday night, 5 December 2026 | 2 | After Shabbat ends |
| 3 | Sunday, 6 December 2026 | 3 | |
| 4 | Monday, 7 December 2026 | 4 | |
| 5 | Tuesday, 8 December 2026 | 5 | |
| 6 | Wednesday, 9 December 2026 | 6 | |
| 7 | Thursday, 10 December 2026 | 7 | |
| 8 | Friday, 11 December 2026 | 8 | Before Shabbat candles |
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Lighting the menorah, step by step
- Set up the candles: on the first night, one candle at the far right of the menorah. Each night, add one candle to the left of the previous one.
- Light the shamash and hold it in your hand.
- Recite the blessings (three on the first night, two on the other nights).
- Light with the shamash, starting with the newest candle, the leftmost, and moving right.
- Say “HaNerot Halalu”, and it is customary to sing “Maoz Tzur”.
- Return the shamash to its place on the menorah.
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The blessings
Baruch atah Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha’olam, asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner Hanukkah. (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Hanukkah candle.)
Baruch atah Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha’olam, she’asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh. (… who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this season.)
Baruch atah Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu v’kiyemanu v’higianu lazman hazeh. (… who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.)
The third blessing, Shehecheyanu, is said on the first night only. In the Ashkenazi version, the first blessing ends “l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah”.
HaNerot Halalu
“We kindle these lights for the miracles and the wonders and the salvations…” (The full text appears in the siddur.)
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Where should the menorah be placed?
The mitzvah is to place the menorah at the entrance of the home facing the public domain, on the left as you enter, opposite the mezuzah, so that one is surrounded by mitzvot.
Many who live on a high floor light in a window facing the street. Ideally, the candles should be placed less than ten handbreadths (about 80 cm) above the ground.
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When do we light, and how long should the candles burn?
According to the custom of most Sephardim, the candles are lit at nightfall, and some light at sunset. The candles should burn for at least half an hour after nightfall.
On Friday, light the Hanukkah candles before the Shabbat candles (but not before plag hamincha), with enough oil or long enough candles to burn until half an hour after nightfall.
On Saturday night, light after Shabbat ends. In the synagogue the menorah is lit before Havdalah. At home some make Havdalah first and some light first; each family follows its custom.
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Who lights?
According to Sephardi custom, the head of the household lights one menorah for the whole family. According to Ashkenazi custom, each member of the household lights their own menorah.
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Oil or candles?
The choicest way is to light with olive oil, in remembrance of the miracle of the cruse of oil. Candles may also be used.
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Frequently asked questions
How many candles are lit each night of Hanukkah?
One candle on the first night, and one more each night, up to eight on the eighth night. The shamash is lit every night in addition.
Which side do you start lighting the menorah from?
Candles are placed from right to left, and you light the candle added that night, the leftmost, first, then move to the right.
When is the first candle of Hanukkah 2026?
On Friday, December 4, 2026, before Shabbat begins and before the Shabbat candles are lit.
How long should Hanukkah candles burn?
At least half an hour after nightfall. On Friday, use longer candles or more oil.
Where do you place the Hanukkah menorah?
At the entrance facing the public domain, on the left opposite the mezuzah. Those on a high floor customarily light in a window facing the street.
This guide briefly follows the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch and Sephardi custom, noting Ashkenazi practice. For any halachic question, consult your community rabbi.