Candles are added to the Chanukiah from right to left but are kindled from left to right. The newest candle is lit first. (On the Shabbat of Chanukah, kindle the Chanukah lights first and then the Shabbat candles.) Light the Shamash - the helper candle set higher or lower than all the rest of the candles - first using it to kindle the rest of the Chanukah lights; say or sing:

Baruch atah, Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tsivanu l'hadlik ner shel Chanukah.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the Chanukah lights.





Baruch atah, Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, she-asah nisim la'avoteinu v'imoteinu bayamim haheim baz'man hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old, at this season.

On the first night only we add:

Baruch atah, Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higianu laz'man hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.