Which Way to Light a Menorah? A Complete Guide to the Order, Meaning, and Tradition

Lighting the menorah during Hanukkah is a ritual repeated in millions of homes across the world. Yet every year, the same question comes up—especially for first-timers and even for those who’ve grown up seeing it done:

Which way do you light a menorah?

Is it right-to-left because Hebrew reads that way?
Or left to right because that’s how we normally move?

The answer involves both directions, and the reason behind it goes far deeper than simple habit. This guide explains the correct order, the symbolism, and the logic behind the tradition, so you not only know what to do—but understand why it’s done that way.

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Understanding the Menorah Used for Hanukkah

Before discussing direction, it’s important to clarify what kind of menorah is used.

The menorah lit during Hanukkah is called a Hanukkiah, not the original Temple menorah.

Key features of a Hanukkiah:

• Nine branches
  • Eight for the eight nights of Hanukkah
  • One shamash (helper candle) used to light the others
• The shamash is set apart—higher, lower, or off to the side

This separation matters because Hanukkah candles are meant only for viewing, not for practical use. That’s why the shamash exists.

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Which Way Do You Light the Menorah?

Here is the universally accepted tradition:

✔ Candles are placed from right to left

✔ Candles are lit from left to right

This applies every night of Hanukkah, regardless of where you live or what style of menorah you use.

At first glance, this feels contradictory—but it’s actually very intentional.

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Step-by-Step: How Menorah Lighting Works Each Night

Let’s break it down clearly.

1. Candle Placement (Right to Left)

• On Night 1:
  • Place one candle on the far right
• On Night 2:
  • Place a new candle to the left of the first
• Continue adding candles from right to left
• By Night 8, all eight spots are filled

This placement mirrors Hebrew’s right-to-left orientation and reflects how the days accumulate.

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2. Lighting the Candles (Left to Right)

Once the candles are placed:

• Use the shamash to light them
• Begin with the newest candle, which is on the left
• Move left to right, ending with the oldest candle

This means the newest miracle is always honored first.

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Why Are Candles Placed One Way but Lit the Other?

This is the heart of the tradition—and where many people get confused.

1. Respecting Growth and Progression

Hanukkah celebrates a miracle that grew day by day—one day of oil lasting eight. Jewish tradition emphasizes increase, not decrease.

Lighting the newest candle first symbolizes:

• Growing faith
• Expanding hope
• Increasing light in the world

Each night adds something new—and that newness deserves priority.

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2. Giving Importance to the Present Moment

While candles are placed in historical order, lighting focuses on today’s mitzvah (commandment).

In simple terms:

• Placement reflects time
• Lighting reflects meaning

You don’t light yesterday’s miracle first—you light today’s.

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3. Intentional Action Over Habit

Hebrew is read right to left, so if lighting followed the same direction, it could become automatic.

Lighting from left to right forces conscious intention, ensuring the ritual is done thoughtfully, not mechanically.

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The Role of the Shamash (Often Overlooked)

The shamash is essential, not optional.

• It lights all other candles
• It allows the Hanukkah candles to remain symbolic
• If someone accidentally uses the candlelight, the shamash ensures the rule isn’t violated

Important note:
❌ A Hanukkah candle should never light another Hanukkah candle directly.

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Does the Lighting Order Change for Different Menorah Designs?

No—it never changes.

Whether your menorah is:

• Traditional or modern
• Straight or curved
• Minimalist or decorative
• Made of metal, glass, wood, or ceramic

The rule stays the same:

• Place right to left
• Light left to right

What about circular or artistic menorahs?

You still identify a rightmost and leftmost position and follow the same logic.

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Where Should the Menorah Be Placed?

Placement also has traditional guidelines.

Common locations:

• Near a window, facing outward
• Near the doorway, opposite the mezuzah

The goal is pirsumei nisa—publicizing the miracle.

However:

• Safety always comes first
• In private homes, any visible and secure location is acceptable

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Common Mistakes (And Why They Happen)

Many mistakes come from misunderstanding—not disrespect.

Common errors include:

• Lighting candles right to left
• Forgetting the shamash
• Thinking electric or modern menorahs change the rule
• Assuming Hebrew direction applies to lighting

If this has happened to you, it doesn’t invalidate the moment. Intention matters deeply in Jewish practice.

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Final Takeaway

So, which way do you light a menorah?

• Place candles from right to left
• Light candles from left to right
• Always honor the newest candle first

This balance between order and intention reflects the deeper message of Hanukkah:
Light doesn’t appear all at once—it grows.

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Frequently Asked Questions