THE CHANUKAH MENORAH:

The Temple in the Menorah was lit daily. It consisted of 7 branches/lights, made of one solid piece of gold, with an ornate design and topped on each branch by an oil cup to fuel the flame.

In contrast, the Chanukah menorah is called a Chanukia and has nine candle holders. There are eight candles, one for each night of Chanukah, and a ninth called the Shamash (helper). The Shamash is not counted as one of the regular candles and is used to light the other eight candles. The Shamash is lit first and then is used to light the other candles. The candles for each night are placed in the Chanukia from right to left. But when the candles are lit, they are lit from left to right.

Actually, one of the most famous disputes between the students of Mishnaic sages Hillel and Shammai relates to number of lights to be lit each Chanukah night. The students of Shammai thought it best to light all eight candles at the outset and to subtract one each successive night. This would parallel the offerings brought on the holiday Sukkot which begin at 70 on the first day and dwindle each of the next 7 days. The students of Hillel explained that the concept of "we ascend in holiness and do not go down" served as a reason why it is preferable to add a candle each night of Chanukah. (Shabbat 21b). Hillel's students’ position was accepted as the ruling to be followed and therefore candles are added every night of Chanukah.

The most important thing is that the candles have to burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. The well-known muli-colored candles that come in a box with the exact quantity required for the holiday just barely qualify in this regard, but many Jewish stores sell longer colored candles. In truth, it is better to use olive oil because the miracle occurred with olive oil. Many Jewish stores sell boxes of pre-measured oil portions in disposable cups. The cups can be made to fit in the candle holders of any standard menorah.

Menorah Lighting Procedure:

FIRST NIGHT: On the first night, the right-most candle or oil holder is filled with either a candle or oil. The shamash is lit. All three blessings are said. (See the blessing text) Then the shamash candle is used to light the Chanukiah's candle.

REST OF THE NIGHTS: As on the first night, the right most candle oil holder is filled with either a candle or oil. On the second night, the second candle is put in next to the first. Then the shamash is lit. Two blessings are said (skip Shehecheyanu blessing which is only said on the first night). On the third night and each successive night, the number of candles corresponding to the night of Chanukah are set up (moving from right to left). 

There is a mnemonic device to remember the order: Refill candles starting from the right. Light the candles starting from the left.

Blessing the Chanukah Lights:

Baruch Atah Ado-nai Elo-heinu Melech Ha-Olam Asher Kidshanu B'mitzvotav V'tzivanu L'hadlik Ner Shel Hanukah.

Blessed is Ado-nai our G-d, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His mitzvot (Commandments) and who commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah.

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Baruch Atah Ado-nai Elo-heinu Melech Ha-Olam Sheh-Asa Nissim Lah-vote-ay-nu bah'yamim hah-haym ba'zman ha'zeh.

Blessed is Ado-nai our G-d, Ruler of the universe, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old, at this season.

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A third blessing is recited on the first night only: