Hanukkah Blessings

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Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights because its central ritual is the lighting of the menorah (ceremonial candleholder) for eight consecutive nights. We commemorate Hanukkah to celebrate the inspirational story of the unlikely Maccabean victory over their Syrian-Greek oppressors who attempted to obliterate the Jewish faith and convert the Jews to Hellenism in 165 B.C.E.

Hanukkah Blessings

Blessing over Candles

Light the shammus candle first, then recite the blessings while holding the candle. Do not light the other candles until the blessings are done!

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

asher kidishanu b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us

l’had’lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amein)
to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen)

Blessing for the Chanukkah Miracle

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

she’asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (Amein)
Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time

Shehecheyanu (Who Has Kept Us Alive)

This blessing is recited only on the first night of Chanukkah.

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

shehecheyanu v’kiyimanu v’higi’anu laz’man hazeh. (Amein)
who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season (Amen)

Lighting the Candles

After reciting the blessings, use the shammus to light the Chanukkah candles from left to right (newest to oldest).

Candles should be left burning until they go out on their own. They must burn for more than half an hour. Standard Chanukkah candles burn for about an hour.