Hanukkah candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but they are lit from left to right.

Basic rule

  • When you place the candles each night, you add the new candle on the left side, so the row fills in from right to left as you face the menorah.
  • When you light them, you first light the shamash (helper candle) and then use it to light the newest candle first, meaning you start with the left‑most candle and move to the right.

Simple night‑by‑night example

  • Night 1:
    • Place one candle in the far right holder.
* Light the shamash, then light that single right‑hand candle.
  • Night 2:
    • Place one candle in the original right‑hand spot and the new candle to its left.
* Light the shamash, then light the **left** candle first (the new one), then the right one.
  • Nights 3–8:
    • Each night, add that night’s new candle on the left , then light from left to right , newest to oldest.

Why this direction?

  • The newest candle is lit first to honor the increasing miracle each night, so the order goes from the newest (left) to the earlier ones (right).
  • The placement from right to left echoes Hebrew writing direction, while the lighting sequence emphasizes adding light and holiness over time.

TL;DR: Fill the menorah from right to left , but each night light the candles from left to right , starting with that night’s newest candle.