Lighting Checklist

Setting up the Menorah:

• Use olive oil and cotton wicks for the candles.
• Use wax candles for the Shamash.
• Each candle is to contain enough oil to last at least 30 minutes after nightfall.
• The candles are set up starting from the far right end of the Menorah. The Shamash is placed slightly higher than the other candles.
• The Menorah is set up inside one’s home, by the doorway of a room, adjacent to the doorpost opposite the Mezuzah.
• The Menorah is to be between three and ten Tefach [24-80 centimeters] from the ground.
• Each person lighting is to preferably light by a different doorpost. Children are to light by the doorpost of their bedroom.

   

  The lighting:

• Beginning from sunset, do not do Melacha or eat a meal until the candles are lit.
• After sunset begin lighting the candles. If this is not possible the candles may be lit with a blessing until day break so long as there are people still awake.
• One wears regular weekday garb of hat and jacket.
• Married men light wearing a Gartel.
• Prior to the lighting one recites three blessings on the first night, two blessings on every subsequent night.
• Only after the blessings have been recited does one begin lighting the candles.
• One begins lighting the candle to the far left, and hence lights from left to right.
• One does not light any candle, including the Shamash from an already lit Chanukah candle.
• After all the candles are lit one sings Haneiros Halalu.
• One remains near the candles for approximately 30 minutes.
• Women may not do work during these thirty minutes.
• The Menorah may not be moved until 30 minutes have passed from after nightfall. In a time of need one may move the Menorah once this time has passed, prior to extinguishing.
• The candles may not be extinguished until 30 minutes have passed from after nightfall.
• One may not benefit from the candlelight’s of the Menorah during these 30 minutes.
• After the 8^th night, all leftover oils and wicks are to be burnt on their own.