The Shulhan Aruch (O.H. 671:7) rules that Hanukah candles must be lit each night not only in every individual home, but also in the synagogue, in order to further publicize the Hanukah miracle.
The Menorah in the synagogue should be positioned near the southern wall, to the right of the ark, just as in the Bet Ha'mikdash the Menorah was situated along the southern wall. The Menorah should be placed parallel to the southern wall, running east to west, rather than perpendicular to the wall.
From which side of the Menorah should the lighting begin on the first night of Hanukah?
The Mishna Berura (commentary to the Shulhan Aruch by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, 1839-1933) ruled that the first candle should be placed at the side nearest to the ark. The individual who lights the Menorah, the Mishna Berura writes, should stand with his back facing southward, towards the southern wall of the synagogue, and light the candle furthest to his right on the first night of Hanukah. On each subsequent night, one candle is added towards the left. The Kaf Ha'haim Sofer (work of Halacha by Rabbi Yaakov Haim Sofer, 1870-1939), however, rules (671:69) that the Sephardic custom is to stand facing southward, and to light on the first night the candle furthest from the ark, to his right. Then, on each night, a candle is added towards the left. This is, indeed, the proper practice to follow.
Incidentally, it should be noted that whenever one lights the Hanukah candles, he must ensure to position himself in such a way that he will first encounter the newest candle, which must be lit first. The Halachic rule of "En Ma'avirin Al Ha'misvot" establishes that one should not pass by an opportunity to perform a Misva. Hence, as the Mishna Berura rules, one should stand off to the left of the Menorah while reciting the Berachot, such that when he proceeds to light the candles he will first encounter the newest candle. Otherwise, if he stands to the right, he will have to reach over the rightmost candles to first light the newest candle, in violation of the rule of "En Ma'avirin Al Ha'misvot."
Summary: The Menorah in the synagogue should be positioned along the southern wall, running east to west. The person who lights the Menorah in the synagogue should stand in front of the Menorah facing southward, and the candle lit on the first day of Hanukah should be the rightmost candle, which is furthest from the ark.
