The Chanukah Candle Lighting Blessings begins by understanding that we will be adding one candle to the menorah each night. The first night, you light only the shammus (the one at a different height) and one Chanukah candle. Add another candle each night: second night light two candles, third night light three candles, so that by the eighth night, you light all of the candles.
Candles should be added to the menorah from right to left (like Hebrew writing). The shammus candle is the “helping candle: and it is lit first. While holding the shammus candle, recite the following blessings.
“Chanukah Candle Lighting Blessings”
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
asher kidishanu b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
l’had’lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amein)
to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen)
Blessing for Chanukah
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
she’asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (Amein)
Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time
Shehecheyanu (first night only)
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
shehecheyanu v’kiyimanu v’higi’anu laz’man hazeh. (Amein)
who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season (Amen)
After reciting the blessings, use the shammus to light the Chanukah candles from left to right (newest to oldest).
Candles can be placed in the window and should burn on their own.