The Shul Menorah is situated at the southern side of the Shul, with the flames spanning east-west.
The Shul Menorah should be easily visible to the entire Shul. It is therefore placed higher than 10 Tefachim (80cm).
Except for Motzei Shabbat, the Shul Menorah is lit after Mincha and before Maariv. Some schedule Mincha so that the Menorah will be lit after Plag Hamincha, but before sunset.
The Shul Menorah is prepared before Mincha so as not to disturb anyone’s concentration during Mincha. Just as with a personal Menorah, it must be prepared with enough fuel to burn until at least half-hour after Tzeit Hakochavim.
At the end of Mincha, immediately before Aleinu, one of the congregants recites the Brachot and lights the Menorah. Afterwards, all present say or sing Haneirot Halalu (and Maoz Tzur), followed by Aleinu.
On the first night of Chanukah, the Shul Menorah should not be lit by an Avel (within 12 months of a parent’s passing or within 30 days of a spouse, child or sibling’s passing).
One does not fulfil his obligation with the Menorah that is lit in Shul. Even the one who kindles the Menorah in Shul must relight at home, with the Brachot. [On the first night, he does not repeat Shehecheyanu, unless he is also lighting on behalf of others who have not yet fulfilled their obligation.]
Throughout the 24 hours of each day of Chanukah, the flames of the Shul Menorah (including the Shamash) remain lit whenever people are present in the Shul, provided that there are no safety concerns. At the very least, the flames should remain lit during the times of davening. [If the flames need to be relit during the course of the 24 hours, they are lit with a Shamash, but without reciting the Brachot.]
