One candle is added to the menorah each night. The first night, you light only the shammus (the one at a different height) and one Chanukkah candle. By the eighth night, you light all of the candles.
If you would like to hear the blessings, check out this RealPlayer recording of Cantor Pinchas Rabinovicz singing the blessings and other tunes from 613.org, a great source of free traditional audio files. (Please note: This recording uses Ashkenazic pronunciation) Blessing over CandlesLight the shammus candle first, then recite the blessings while holding the candle. Do not light the other candles until the blessings are done!
Blessing for the Chanukkah Miracle
Shehecheyanu (Who Has Kept Us Alive)This blessing is recited only on the first night of Chanukkah.
Lighting the CandlesAfter reciting the blessings, use the shammus to light the Chanukkah candles from left to right (newest to oldest). See animation at top. Candles should be left burning until they go out on their own. They must burn for more than half an hour. Standard Chanukkah candles burn for about an hour. If you appreciate the many years of work I have put into this site, show your appreciation by linking to this page, not copying it to your site. I can't correct my mistakes or add new material if it's on your site. Click Here for more details. |
Candles should be added to the menorah from right to left (like Hebrew
writing). See animation at right. The shammus candle is lit first. While
holding the shammus candle, recite the following blessings. They are usually
sung. Click the music icons in the blessings below to hear the tune.
