If you have ever stood in front of a menorah with a match in your hand and suddenly blanked on the words, you are far from alone. Even people who grew up lighting candles every Hanukkah often reach for a card or a phone to read the blessings. This guide puts everything you need in one place: the Hanukkah blessings in English and transliteration, the extra blessing for the first night, the order for lighting, and how many candles you need for all eight nights.
What is the Hanukkah prayer? Each night of Hanukkah, two blessings are said before lighting the menorah. The first thanks God for the commandment to light the Hanukkah lights, and the second for the miracles done for our ancestors. On the first night, a third blessing, Shehecheyanu, is added. Then the candles are lit and songs like Maoz Tzur are sung.
The Hanukkah Blessings You Say Over the Candles
The blessings are said before you light the candles, while the shamash, the helper candle, is already lit in your hand. Here they are in transliteration, with an English translation underneath. Say them slowly, and do not worry about perfect pronunciation. Heartfelt words are what matter most.
The Two Blessings Said Every Night
Blessing 1: for lighting the candles
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Chanukah.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has made us holy with His commandments and commanded us to light the Hanukkah lights.
Blessing 2: for the miracles
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim bazman hazeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this time of year.
Shehecheyanu: The Extra Blessing on the First Night
On the first night only, add a third blessing, thanking God for bringing you to this moment:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higianu lazman hazeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has given us life, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
If you miss the first night, say Shehecheyanu the first time you light that Hanukkah.
Haneirot Halalu: The Words Said After Lighting
After lighting, many families recite a short paragraph called Haneirot Halalu, "these lights." It explains that the Hanukkah lights are holy, that we do not use them for ordinary tasks like reading, and that we only look at them, to remember the miracles and give thanks. The idea comes from the Talmud, tractate Soferim, and it is printed in most prayer books.
The First Night of Hanukkah: Prayers and What Makes It Different
The first night is the most special, so here is the full order in one place:
- Light the shamash.
- Say Blessing 1, for lighting the candles.
- Say Blessing 2, for the miracles.
- Say Shehecheyanu.
- Use the shamash to light the one Hanukkah candle.
- Return the shamash to its place, and sing Haneirot Halalu and Maoz Tzur.
In 2026, the first night of Hanukkah falls on Friday, December 4, so the menorah is lit before the Shabbat candles. Our Hanukkah 2026 dates guide explains the Friday and Saturday night timing.
How to Light the Menorah, Step by Step
The rules for lighting come from the Talmud, tractate Shabbat (21b to 23a), and are laid out in the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 671 to 677. Here is the common practice, though customs vary a little between communities.
- Choose the spot. Place the menorah in a window facing the street or by your front door, where people passing by can see it.
- Set the candles from right to left. As you face the menorah, put the first night's candle on the far right. Each night, add the new candle to the left of the one before.
- Place the shamash in its own holder, usually set higher or apart from the others.
- Light the shamash.
- Say the blessings while holding the lit shamash.
- Light from left to right. Start with the newest candle, the one furthest left, and move right. That way the newest light is always honored first.
- Put the shamash back in its place.
- Let the candles burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. Stay nearby, sing, and enjoy them.
Who Lights the Menorah in Your Home?
In many Ashkenazi homes, every member of the family lights their own menorah, so a window can glow with several at once. In many Sephardi homes, one menorah is lit for the whole household, usually by the head of the family, while everyone gathers and answers amen. Children love to be given their own menorah, so if your family follows the first custom, you might help your youngest light theirs. Guests staying with you are included in your household's lighting.
When to Light the Candles Each Night
The ideal time is at nightfall, when it gets dark, though many families light at sunset. If you come home late, you can still light as long as people in the house are awake to see it. On Friday, light before sunset and before the Shabbat candles. On Saturday night, wait until Shabbat is over.
Oil or Candles? Choosing What to Light
You can use either. Olive oil is considered ideal because it recalls the miracle of the oil, and many families love the soft glow of small glass cups with floating wicks. Wax candles are perfectly fine and much easier for most homes. On Friday, just make sure your candles or oil will burn for at least 30 minutes after dark.
How Many Candles Are on a Menorah, and Why Nine?
A Hanukkah menorah has nine branches: eight for the nights of Hanukkah and one for the shamash. You light one candle on the first night and add one each night, so you need more candles than most people expect.
| Night | Hanukkah candles | Plus shamash |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | 4 | 5 |
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
| 6 | 6 | 7 |
| 7 | 7 | 8 |
| 8 | 8 | 9 |
| Total | 36 | 44 |
That is why a standard box of Hanukkah candles holds 44 candles, exactly enough for all eight nights with a shamash each night.
Other Hanukkah Prayers Said Through the Eight Days
The menorah blessings are the heart of Hanukkah, but a few other prayers are added during the eight days.
Al HaNisim: Thanks for the Miracles
Al HaNisim, "for the miracles," is a paragraph added to the daily Amidah prayer and to Birkat HaMazon, the blessing after meals, throughout Hanukkah. It tells the story of the Maccabees in a few lines and thanks God for delivering "the many into the hands of the few." If you forget to say it, you do not need to repeat the prayer.
Hallel: Psalms of Praise Each Morning
Hallel is a set of joyful Psalms, 113 to 118, recited in the morning service on all eight days of Hanukkah. Hanukkah is one of the few holidays when the full Hallel is said every day.
Maoz Tzur: The Song Families Sing After Lighting
Maoz Tzur, "Rock of Ages," is the song most families sing after lighting the menorah. Its verses walk through moments when the Jewish people were saved, ending with the Hanukkah story. In English it is often sung to the same well-known melody.
How to Light the Menorah on Friday Night, Before Shabbat
When Hanukkah includes a Friday, as it does twice in 2026, the order matters. On Friday afternoon, light the Hanukkah candles first, shortly before sunset, then light the Shabbat candles. Once Shabbat begins, no new flame is lit, so the menorah has to come first. Use larger candles or more oil so the menorah stays lit for at least 30 minutes after nightfall.
On Saturday night, wait for Shabbat to end. Many families recite Havdalah first and then light the menorah, while others light first. Follow your family's custom or ask your rabbi. For more about the holiday itself, read our guide to what Hanukkah is and why we celebrate it.
Light That Reaches Beyond Your Window
The Hanukkah blessings ask you to do something unusual: to light a flame that you are not allowed to use. You cannot read by it or cook by it. You can only look at it and remember. The light is placed in the window so it reaches people outside your home, which is the whole idea of pirsumei nisa, sharing the miracle.
Many families carry that idea into giving. Maimonides wrote that the Hanukkah lights are so beloved that even a person who lives on charity should find a way to light them, which is why communities have always made sure no home goes dark. At 18.fund, offered in collaboration with the Shabata Demalkata Foundation, donations help provide Shabbat meals and holiday essentials for families in need across the US. To make giving part of each night, try our guide to playing dreidel for tzedakah, or learn why Jewish tradition treats giving as justice in our guide to what tzedakah really means.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prayer do you say when lighting Hanukkah candles?
You say two blessings every night: one for the commandment to light the Hanukkah lights, l'hadlik ner shel Chanukah, and one for the miracles done for our ancestors. On the first night you add Shehecheyanu. The blessings are said before lighting.
What is the first night of Hanukkah prayer?
On the first night, you say three blessings: the blessing for lighting, the blessing for the miracles, and Shehecheyanu, which thanks God for bringing you to this season. Then you use the shamash to light the first candle and sing Maoz Tzur.
Do you say the blessings before or after lighting?
Say the Hanukkah blessings before lighting the candles, while holding the lit shamash. This follows the general Jewish rule that a blessing comes before the action it describes. Songs like Haneirot Halalu and Maoz Tzur come after.
Which direction do you light the menorah?
Place the candles from right to left as you face the menorah, adding each new night's candle on the left. Then light from left to right, starting with the newest candle. The shamash is lit first and used to light the others.
How many candles are in a Hanukkah menorah?
A Hanukkah menorah has nine branches, eight for the nights of Hanukkah and one for the shamash. Over all eight nights you use 36 Hanukkah candles, or 44 including the shamash, which is why candle boxes hold 44.
What is the shamash?
The shamash is the helper candle used to light the other Hanukkah candles. It sits in its own holder, usually higher or apart from the rest, so it is clear that it is not one of the eight Hanukkah lights.
Can I say the Hanukkah blessings in English?
Yes. Jewish tradition allows blessings to be said in any language you understand. Many families say them in Hebrew transliteration, English, or both. What matters is that you say them with intention.
What time should you light Hanukkah candles?
The ideal time is at nightfall, though many families light at sunset. The candles should burn for at least 30 minutes after dark. On Friday, light before sunset and before the Shabbat candles. On Saturday night, wait until Shabbat ends.
What is Al HaNisim?
Al HaNisim, "for the miracles," is a paragraph added to the daily Amidah prayer and the blessing after meals during all eight days of Hanukkah. It briefly tells the story of the Maccabees and gives thanks for the miracles.
Where should you place the menorah?
Place the menorah in a window facing the street or near your front door, so people outside can see it. The goal, called pirsumei nisa, is to share the miracle with everyone who passes by.