The main custom of Chanukah is the lighting of Hanukkah candles each night of the holiday.
The menorah should be eight branches + Shamash.
What is the Role ofthe Shamash?
Chanukah candles should not be enjoyed, so do not transfer fire from Hanukkah candles, and do not read next to the Chanukah candles, so that light only comes from Chanukah candles. To make sure we do not use the light by miskate,we light the Shamash which is an extra candle,that way even if we do use the light, we are acually using the light of the shamash which is not part of the 8 candles.
Therefore, we first light the Shamash, then bless the blessings and light the candles.
You can be light the menorah with candles or with olive oil.
MenorahLighting Times
The earliest time to light the candles is at sunset, but you can light until it gets very dark
Placing the Menorah
Some people place the menorah on the windowsill or by the doorway, to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah.
Those who put the menorah by the door, lay it on the opposite side of the Mezuzah so that you'll be surrounded by Mitzvot, Mezuzah on one side, and the Menorah on the other.
The Order of MenorahLights
Begin to light the menorah from the right. Each night begin with lighting the new candle that's added, and continue on to the rest of the candles. First you should bless and then light the Menorah.
On the first night of Hanukkah, the 24th of Kislev at night, this year on Tuesday December 20, you should bless three blessings:
"Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, king of the universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light".
"Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, king of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time".
"Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, king of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion".
All other nights of Hanukkah, bless only two blessings: light a candle of Hanukkah, and performing miracles(The 1st 2 blessings)
After the blessing, light the menorah and say:
"We kindle these lights [to commemorate] the saving acts, miracels and wonders which you have performed for our forefathers, in those days at this time, through your holy Kohanim. Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make use the, but only to look at them, in order to offer thanks and praise to your great name for your miracles, for your wonders and for your salvations".
Some people sit beside the candles and tell the stories of Hanukkah and of course the miracle of Hanukkah. They sing Hanukkah songs, and make pancakes and eat fried foods like latkes and donuts. Children play with dreidels and get Chanukah gelt (money).
The candles should burn for at least 50 minutes.
On Friday, light Chanukah candles before lighting the Sabbath candles.
On Saturday night (Shabbat end), first you should do Havdalah, and then light Chanukah candles.
In the synagogue, they also should light candles, but this does not exempt lighting candles at home. Even if a man lights candles in the synagogue, he must light at home too.
Hanukkah Candles Lighting Time In the synagogue is: during the week between the Mincha to Arvit, and on Saturday night - after Arvit.
All eight days of Chanukah during 'Amidah' prayer and in the Blessing after the meal, we say "And For the Miracles ..."
After the morning prayers on all eight days of Chanukah we say a complete Hallel.
Every day of Chanukah after the morning prayers in the synagogue, theres Torah reading about the 'Nassi' (the president of each Jewish tribe)
