Every night we should light the candles at nightfall (after 5.10 PM), but today, Friday, December 11th - the first day of Chanukah- is an exception: today we light Chanukah candles approximately 20-25 minutes BEFORE sunset, ideally at 4:05. Why? Because at 4:10 we need to light Shabbat candles, and Chanukah candles must be lit before them.
Another exception for Friday’s Chanukah candle lighting: while every night the candles should last for at least half an hour, during Friday, the candles should last for more time.
So, make sure your candle is long enough, or has enough oil to burn for approximately an hour and a half.
When Shabbat is over, at home we should first recite the Habdalah and then light the Chanukah candles. (approx. 5.25 PM).
Before lighting the Chanukah candles we recite the following blessings:
Blessing #1: Baruch ata Ado-nai Elo-henu melech ha-olam, Asher kide-shanu bi-mitzvo-tav, Vi-tzee-vanu le-had-leek Ner Chanukah.
Blessing #2: Baruch ata Ado-nai Elo-henu melech ha-olam, She-asa nee-seem la-avo-tenu, Baya-meem ha-haem baz-e-man ha-zeh.
This blessing is said on the first night only.
Blessing #3: Baruch ata Ado-nai Elo-henu melech ha-olam, Sheh-he-che-yanu ve-kee-yihemanu Ve-hee-gee-yanu laze-man ha-zeh.
Shabbat Shalom and Chanukah Sameach!
Watch the animated video on lighting the Chanukah candles at: http://www.aish.com/h/c/ht/
