01
The hanukkiah
A lamp with nine branches: eight for the days, and a ninth, the shamash (“helper”), used to light the others. It is placed where it can be seen.
Customs
How Hanukkah is celebrated
Hanukkah's customs weave together light, gratitude and family joy. Above all: kindle the lights and retell the miracle to the next generation.
02
Kindling the lights
A candle is added left to right each night, but lit right to left, beginning with the newest. Blessings are recited before lighting.
03
The dreidel (sevivon)
A four-sided spinning top bearing the letters נ, ג, ה, ש — “Nes Gadol Haya Sham” (“A great miracle happened there”). A beloved children's game.
04
Hanukkah gelt
Coins given to children as “Hanukkah gelt”; over time, chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil became popular too.
05
Al HaNisim
An “Al HaNisim” passage of thanks for the miracles is added to prayers and the grace after meals; the festive Hallel is also recited.
06
Light in the window
The hanukkiah is placed so passers-by can see its lights — the public proclamation of the miracle.
The order
How the hanukkiah is lit
On the first night, a single candle is placed at the right and lit with the shamash. Each following night one more is added to the left, and lighting always begins with the newest, left-most candle, moving rightward.
The candles are lit after sunset (before sunset on the eve of Shabbat). While they burn — about half an hour — it is customary not to work, to sing “Maoz Tzur” and to be together as a family.